Fighting cancer: "We absolutely must change our paradigm," insists Professor Abdoul Aziz Kassé

Faced with the steady rise in cancer cases in Senegal, oncologist and president of the Prévenir association, Professor Abdoul Aziz Kassé, is calling for a strategic reorientation of health policies. Believing that curative treatment alone cannot absorb the economic and social burden of the disease, the specialist is urging that prevention, vaccination, and early detection be placed at the heart of the national response.

Faced with the rise in cancer cases in Senegal, oncologist Abdoul Aziz Kassé is calling for a strategic shift. According to the specialist, prevention and early detection must now take precedence over simply providing medical and surgical treatment to patients. From cervical cancer to breast cancer, including liver and prostate cancer, he believes that several levers for action already exist but remain underutilized. "If we do nothing, we risk stagnating. We absolutely must change the paradigm in the fight against cancer in Senegal. It is better to act on people who do not yet have the disease to prevent them from developing cancer," argues the president of the Prévenir association.

For decades, the oncologist points out, African health systems have focused the bulk of their resources on infectious diseases. While malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis remain major challenges, non-communicable diseases have reached alarming proportions. “Every day, you hear about strokes or kidney disease,” he emphasizes, before elaborating on the devastating impact of cancer on the socio-economic fabric. When a patient dies, entire families and dependents are plunged into poverty.

In this context, the specialist considers it unrealistic to want to mobilize all the necessary financial resources each year to treat cases often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Four priority pathologies at the heart of the advocacy

Professor Abdoul Aziz Kassé identifies four types of cancer representing a major health emergency in Senegal: cervical cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and prostate cancer.

Regarding cervical cancer, he emphasizes the urgent need for systematic screening and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection of precancerous lesions would prevent the vast majority of invasive forms. The doctor particularly laments that vaccine doses can expire in some healthcare facilities even though the product is available.

Regarding breast cancer, Professor Kassé calls for moving beyond the logic of one-off mobilizations: "Screening should not be limited to the month of October alone. It must be done throughout the year," he insists.

Regarding liver cancer, he emphasizes the importance of hepatitis B vaccination from birth, which he considers the most powerful preventative measure. Finally, he encourages men to overcome the taboos surrounding prostate cancer screening, reminding them that a simple PSA test followed by a urological consultation allows for early detection.

"We no longer need proof, we need action."

Beyond the medical assessment, the oncologist's discourse constitutes a challenge to public authorities and civil society. It underscores the central role of women in preserving health and maintaining family harmony.

When questioned about his perseverance despite the delays observed in the implementation of medical recommendations, Professor Kassé reaffirmed his determination: "What I had to do, I did. What I had to say, I said. But I will not tire, I will not remain silent, and I will not give up."

Citing the example of countries that have significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer through vaccination coverage and high screening rates, the oncologist concludes with a call for immediate action: "We no longer need proof, we need action! Deeds!"

For the practitioner, the challenge now is to transform the available scientific tools into permanent public policies in order to spare Senegalese families avoidable tragedies.