Cancer Outreach Around the World: Improving Cancer Outcomes in Africa

The Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Office at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center continues to expand its Global Oncology Initiatives (GOI), cultivating meaningful collaborations and delivering impactful programs that support communities around the world affected by cancer.

Strengthening international collaboration: Nigerian delegation visit

A recent visit by a high-level delegation from Nigeria to Mayo Clinic marked a significant milestone in international cancer collaboration. The delegation included leadership from the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), the Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, and other research delegates. The visit featured strategic meetings and facility tours focused on advancing shared goals in cancer research, clinical care, and training. These discussions laid the foundation for future collaboration to improve cancer outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.

Nutrition Rx: Promoting healthy living in Nigeria and Cameroon

Nutrition Rx, an adaptation of the Wellness Rx program, is actively engaging communities in Nigeria and Cameroon to raise awareness about prostate cancer prevention and the role of healthy nutrition. The program blends education with practical health interventions, reaching over 1,000 individuals across Badagry and Maiduguri in Nigeria and Yaoundé, Cameroon.

With more than 500 men participating in each country, Nutrition Rx has led to a 50% increase in awareness of nutrition and its connection to cancer prevention. The initiative is helping to broaden participation in health education and empower individuals with actionable knowledge.

Advocacy training: Expanding access across language groups

In partnership with the ABeR Centre and the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC), GOI has expanded its advocacy training efforts to French-speaking countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. A key milestone was the translation of the Cancer Advocacy Handbook into French, enabling broader access to training materials.

In May, seven advocates in Côte d'Ivoire completed training, equipping them to lead community based awareness and outreach efforts. These advocates are now positioned to support robust representation in cancer education and engagement across their regions.

Through collaboration and shared learning, GOI continues to broaden its reach and deepen its impact.