A renewed drive to transform cancer care across Africa took centre stage in Abuja as leading oncologists, researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals gathered to explore practical ways of improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment across the continent. The experts converged for the 2026 AORTIC Best of ASCO Africa Conference, held from July 10 to 11 at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, to examine the latest breakthroughs in cancer research presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago and discuss how they can be applied to African healthcare systems.
Held under the theme, “From Global Discovery to Local Delivery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care,” the conference focused on translating global scientific discoveries into practical, evidence-based solutions that improve patient outcomes in Africa. Speakers noted that while advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment continue to improve survival rates globally, many Africans still struggle with late diagnosis, inadequate specialist care and the high cost of treatment.
They urged African governments to increase investment in cancer research, strengthen early detection programmes, expand access to treatment centres and make life-saving medicines more affordable through sustainable financing and strategic partnerships. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer prevention and control by investing in research, innovation, healthcare infrastructure and partnerships aimed at expanding access to quality oncology services.
Conference Planning Committee Chair, Dr. Abiola Ibraheem, described the meeting as an important platform for connecting global scientific evidence with clinical practice in Africa, enabling healthcare professionals to adopt innovations that can save more lives. Other international oncology leaders, including Dr. Julie Gralow and Prof. Miriam Mutebi, called for greater collaboration, African-led research and stronger health systems to bridge the continent’s widening cancer care gap.
Delegates also emphasised that reducing cancer deaths in Africa will require coordinated efforts among governments, researchers, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and development partners. As the conference concluded, participants expressed confidence that the knowledge, partnerships and commitments forged in Abuja would help accelerate access to more affordable, equitable and effective cancer care for millions of people across Africa.
