Abstract

 Cancer poses a growing public health challenge in Africa, where incidence and mortality rates are projected to rise 
significantly due to demographic shifts, lifestyle changes, and limited health infrastructure. Despite increasing 
awareness, cancer control policies across many African nations remain fragmented, underfunded, and poorly 
implemented. This review explores the landscape of policy development for comprehensive cancer control (CCC) 
programs in Africa, highlighting current frameworks, identifying challenges such as weak governance, inadequate 
financing, and limited data systems, and emphasizing opportunities for regional collaboration, health system 
strengthening, and community engagement. The paper also presents recommendations for evidence-based, 
multisectoral policy approaches that integrate prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care, and 
surveillance.