3rd scientific days of the Faculty of Medicine of Yaoundé 1: Cameroon records 10,000 deaths per year due to cancer

The 3rd scientific days of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaoundé 1, held under the patronage of the Rector of the University of Yaoundé 1, Professor Magloire Etoua, highlighted the importance of awareness and prevention in the face of cancer, which claims 10,000 victims per year in Cameroon.

The theme “Cancer at all ages of life: let’s talk about it!” was at the heart of the debates between the scientific experts, who insisted on the need for collective awareness to fight against this disease.

Third scientific days of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaoundé 1, from February 4 to 5, 2025 on the theme “Cancer at all ages of life: let’s talk about it.”

Cancer, a global scourge, continues to gain ground, striking without distinction of age, gender or social origin. Faced with this public health emergency, the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of Yaoundé has decided to take the bull by the horns by organizing from February 4 to 5, 2025 the third scientific days on the theme “Cancer at all ages of life: let’s talk about it.” This unprecedented meeting will bring together national, regional and international experts, renowned scientists and the general public to discuss the epidemio-clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive aspects of cancer.

The program for these two days includes a host of activities: plenary sessions led by renowned experts, departmental platforms to take stock of current research, round tables to debate the issues and challenges in the fight against cancer, open communications to allow young researchers to present their work, and finally, “talks with the experts” for privileged exchanges with specialists.

“Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, at any age, and it is essential that we talk about it openly to raise awareness and prevent avoidable deaths,” said Professor François Xavier MBOPI-KEOU, President of the Scientific Committee of the 3rd Scientific Days. “The figures are alarming: 10,000 deaths per year in Cameroon, this represents a true silent epidemic that requires an urgent and collective response.”

According to the representative of the Rector of the University of Yaoundé 1, “awareness and prevention are the keys to fighting cancer. It is essential that we inform the population about the risk factors, symptoms and means of prevention to reduce the incidence of the disease”. He also stressed the importance of scientific research to improve treatments and care for cancer patients. Professor NGO UM, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaoundé 1, stressed the need for early detection to improve patients’ chances of survival. “Early detection is essential to treat cancer effectively. We must encourage the population to carry out regular screenings and to consult a doctor in case of suspicious symptoms”.

The president of the organizing committee, Professor Meka Esther, emphasizes the importance of this meeting. “Cancer is a complex disease, which requires a multidisciplinary approach and the mobilization of all stakeholders in society. These scientific days are a special time to exchange, share and build together solutions to effectively fight cancer at all ages of life.

The 3rd Scientific Days of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaoundé 1 brought together scientific experts and health professionals to discuss the latest advances in cancer research and treatment. Participants called for collective mobilization to fight the disease and reduce the number of deaths due to cancer in Cameroon. “We must work together to raise awareness among the population and improve care for cancer patients,” concluded Professor François Xavier ETOA. “Cancer is a disease that can be defeated if we mobilize collectively to prevent and treat it effectively.” These scientific days are a unique opportunity to take stock of current knowledge on cancer, raise public awareness of the importance of screening and prevention, promote research and improve patient care.

Elvis Serge NSAA