Kinshasa, October 22nd, 2026 (CPA).- A call for the prevention of women’s cancers and early screening was issued on Thursday by the National Pedagogical University (UPN) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during an awareness-raising day organized as part of the ‘Pink October 2026’ campaign.
“A university that trains, educates and generates knowledge must also be an institution that raises awareness, prevents disease and helps to save lives,” said Professor Yvonne Ibebeke, Vice-Chancellor of the UPN. Recalling that a university’s mission extends beyond teaching and research, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that breast and cervical cancers constitute public health emergencies, fuelled by delayed consultations, fear, prejudice and a lack of information.
In the face of these barriers, she urged women to seek out healthcare professionals for appropriate screening. She also called for a collective effort involving partners, families and colleagues: “The fight against women’s cancers cannot rest on women alone.” ” Finally, Ms Ibebeke expressed the hope that this momentum would continue beyond October through sustainable partnerships between universities and healthcare organizations.
Delayed consultations: the main obstacle to treatmentSpeaking next, Dr Limanga Chief, from the Kinshasa University Clinics (CUK), listed the risk factors for breast cancer (hormonal and reproductive factors, obesity, smoking, alcohol and BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations), whilst detailing the warning signs: the appearance of a lump, skin changes and abnormal nipple discharge.
Presenting the results of a study carried out at the CUK, the specialist made an alarming observation: “The average age was 48, and over 90 per cent of women sought medical advice at an advanced stage.” This delay in receiving treatment is often exacerbated by the use of inappropriate care pathways prior to arrival at hospital, a factor that quadruples the risk of a late diagnosis, he explained, emphasizing the need for prompt consultation as soon as suspicious symptoms appear.
This event is fully in line with the global Pink October campaign, which aims to break down taboos and make information on screening more widely accessible. ACP/