African Cancer Organisation
..more controls, less cancer
The African Cancer Organisation (ACO) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian cancer organization formed to control cancer and its effects on the African continent and among the diaspora.
ACO promotes cancer prevention in Africa through cancer advocacy, research and development capacities, working with governments, development agencies and health institutions to achieve the sustainable development goals.
The vision of ACO is to increase cancer primary prevention and early detection in a bid to phase out the currently prevailing advanced stages of cancers in Africa and the diaspora.
19.3m
Globally, 19.3 million new cancers are recorded every year
10m
10 million deaths occur every year
THE CANCER BURDEN
The global cancer burden is growing and shifting rapidly. The most rapid rise in incidence is observed in developing and low-income countries, where cancer risk historically has been considerably lower.
The increasing cancer incidence in Africa and other emerging economies is widely considered as a result of the westernization of lifestyles –unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, environmental pollution, and infectious agents.
In 2020, cancer accounted for 10 million deaths globally, more than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.
About 70% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries where resources for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer are limited or nonexistent, where governments are least prepared to address the growing cancer burden and survival rates are often low.
More than two-thirds of cancers diagnosed in Africa are locally advanced where cure is often impossible. Thus majority of cancer cases present to the hospitals with late stages where cure is often impossible but pain control is the only treatment option. Those who die from cancers normally leave behind orphans. In addition, the combined effects of cancer, poverty, deprivation and infectious diseases hinder the development of a sustainable population and consequently a sustainable future.
As a result of the rising high incidence of cancer in developing world coupled with inadequate resources for prevention, early detection and treatment programs, cancer has become an important cause of premature deaths and suffering in these less developed parts of the world.
Furthermore, it is projected that the incidence of cancer in developing countries will continue to increase with further westernization. By 2040, more than two-thirds of new cancer cases will be in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates are currently the lowest.
43.8m
Estimated 43.8 million people are living with cancer
70%
More than 70% of cancer deaths occur in developing nations
GOVERNANCE
ACO is led by visionary leaders committed to advancing cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable healthcare access across Africa and the global diaspora.
Each member brings a wealth of experience spanning public health, clinical research, policy advocacy, philanthropy, and community engagement. Together, they represent a dynamic and diverse coalition united by a shared purpose: to reduce the burden of cancer and ensure healthier futures for men, women and families across the continent.
This leadership team provide strategic guidance, strengthen partnerships, and champion bold initiatives that drive impact at both grassroots and global levels. Their leadership signals a new chapter for ACO—one rooted in excellence, inclusion, transparency and transformative action.
We invite you to explore their individual profiles to learn more about their contributions to the fight against cancer.
1 in 6
1 in 6 men and 1 in 8 women develop cancer in a lifetime
1 in 8
1 in 8 men and 1 in 11 women die from cancer
PROGRAMS
ACO is dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer in Africa through the provision of effective and feasible public health interventions aimed at reducing cancer incidence, suffering and mortality.
ACO programs, tailored to the socio-economic and cultural context, run within World Health Organisation's framework for cancer control -to increase primary cancer prevention and early detection interventions in a bid to phase out the currently prevailing advanced stages of cancers in Africa.
Cancer Advocacy
ACO forge stronger linkages between individuals, organizations and governments to mobilize support to campaign against cancer. We involve people from the general public as a fundamental political and economic group to systematically change cancer policies and programs to reflect the changing needs of individuals and communities.
Cancer Research
ACO promote the establishment of national population-based cancer registries to collect, store and analyze data on persons with cancer in order to provide essential information on the incidence, prevalence, trends, mortality, and survival rates which is required to help develop a realistic and sustainable cancer control plan.
Capacity Development
ACO strengthen health institutions and build capacities of health professionals to promote cancer prevention interventions in health institutions through partnerships and technology transfers programs.
50%
Up to 50% of cancers are preventable
1/3
A third of cancers could be cured if diagnosed early
PROJECTS
CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
01
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATION IN CANCER PREVENTION
04
cancer prevention - for you, by you!
The Woman Campaign uses the voice of women to generate cancer awareness and raise funds to promote cancer prevention, early diagnosis, prompt and effective cancer treatment for women in Africa and an African woman anywhere.