Liberia’s Ministry of Health has joined the global observance of World Cancer Day 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted action against the rising global cancer burden. Cancer, a leading cause of death globally, claims approximately one in six lives. The 2025 theme, “United by Unique,” highlights the critical importance of personalized, patient-centric approaches to cancer care and treatment. The Ministry acknowledges the grim statistics, with breast, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate cancers being the most prevalent worldwide, and lung cancer leading the grim count in mortality. Beyond the devastating human toll, cancer also exacts a significant economic burden, impacting workforce productivity and escalating healthcare costs. Liberia’s commitment to the global fight against cancer is evident in its call for increased awareness, expanded screening programs, and improved cancer care services.

The Ministry of Health stresses the vital role of prevention, highlighting that up to 50% of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle modifications. This proactive approach encourages individuals to adopt healthier habits, such as abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol use, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and receiving vaccinations against HPV and Hepatitis B. These preventative measures, while seemingly simple, can significantly reduce the risk of developing various cancers. The Ministry’s emphasis on prevention reflects a global strategy to mitigate the cancer burden by addressing modifiable risk factors.

Early detection is another critical pillar in the fight against cancer, significantly improving survival rates. The Ministry recommends routine screenings like mammography for breast cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, and Pap smears for cervical cancer. These screenings can detect cancer at earlier stages, when treatment is often more effective and less invasive. By promoting early detection, the Ministry aims to improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of survival for individuals diagnosed with cancer.

The Ministry of Health recognizes that combating cancer requires a collective effort, transcending individual action. They call upon government agencies, healthcare providers, organizations, and individuals to unite in this fight. This collaborative approach requires strengthening cancer prevention efforts, promoting early detection strategies, and improving access to treatment—essential steps to save lives. The call to action underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach involving all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

Liberia’s Ministry of Health is committed to enhancing public awareness about cancer, expanding screening programs, and improving cancer care services nationally. This commitment emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive cancer care, accessible to all. By improving access to quality cancer care, the Ministry aims to reduce disparities and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or location, have the opportunity to receive timely and effective treatment. This commitment aligns with global efforts to improve cancer care and reduce the global cancer burden.

The Ministry emphasizes the role of each individual in reducing the cancer burden. Every Liberian is encouraged to make informed health choices, participate in regular screenings, and advocate for better healthcare policies. This emphasis on individual responsibility empowers citizens to take control of their health and contribute to the collective effort against cancer. By promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging early detection, and advocating for improved healthcare policies, individuals can play a significant role in reducing the national cancer burden. The Ministry’s message resonates with the global call to action, highlighting the importance of individual and collective responsibility in the fight against cancer. The closing statement, “Together, we can close the care gap and build a healthier future for all,” encapsulates the Ministry’s message of unity, hope, and shared responsibility in combating cancer.

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