Next Wednesday, February 4, will be World Cancer Day. The day will be commemorated under the theme ‘United by Unique’, which is part of a three-year campaign (2025–2027) focusing on placing individuals at the heart of cancer care. In this interview our News Analyst LUCKY MKANDAWIRE engages Women’s Coalition Against Cancer (Wocaca) executive director MAUD MWAKASUNGULA on the campaign and other related issues. Excerpts:
How will the campaign change cancer care for women in Malawi?
The campaign represents an important shift in how cancer care is understood and delivered in Malawi. Traditionally, cancer care has often followed a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, which does not fully consider the different realities faced by women. This campaign, places women at the centre of cancer care. This approach recognises that cancer affects individuals differently depending on factors such as income, education, geographic location, disability, age and family responsibilities. A woman in a rural area, for example, faces very different challenges compared to one living in an urban setting. Over the next three years, the campaign will advocate for cancer services that respond to these real-life challenges across the full cancer journey—from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, treatment, psychosocial support, palliative care and survivorship. In promoting people-centred care, the campaign aims to improve dignity, access and quality of services. Women will no longer be seen only as patients but as individuals with unique needs, voices and rights. Ultimately, this approach will help improve treatment outcomes, reduce suffering and restore hope for women living with cancer.
What specific gaps in Malawi’s cancer response does this campaign aim to address first?
It seeks to address several urgent gaps in Malawi’s cancer response, starting with early detection and diagnosis. Many women and girls are diagnosed at very late stages mainly due to limited screening services, low awareness, stigma, fear and long distances to health facilities. These delays greatly reduce chances of survival. Another major gap is access to treatment. Malawi continues to face shortages of cancer specialists, diagnostic equipment, essential medicines and treatment centres. Women often have to travel long distances or wait for long periods before receiving care, which increases costs and emotional distress. Psychosocial support, patient navigation, survivorship care and palliative care remain limited, yet these services are critical for quality of life. In drawing attention to these gaps, United by Unique will push for practical, people-driven solutions that reflect the lived realities of women and girls affected by cancer.
How will patient voices and lived experiences be integrated into cancer care over the next three years?
Patients’ voices will be at the heart of this campaign. Women living with cancer are not just beneficiaries of services they are key partners in shaping better care. Wocaca is committed to ensuring that lived experiences directly inform cancer policies, programmes, and service delivery. This will be done through survivor advocacy groups, patient forums, storytelling platforms and community dialogues where women will openly share their experiences. Survivors and patients will also be encouraged to participate in policy discussions, national consultations and advocacy meetings. The campaign will also help reduce stigma, challenge harmful myths and ensure that decisions are grounded in reality. When patient experiences are listened to and respected, cancer services become more responsive, compassionate and effective for women and their families.
What role will communities and local health facilities play in delivering this campaign in Malawi?
Communities and local health facilities are central to the success of the campaign. Community leaders, faith leaders, health workers, and civil society organisations play a key role in raising awareness, promoting early health-seeking behaviour and addressing myths and misconceptions about cancer. Local health facilities, especially primary health centres, are often the first point of contact for women. These facilities will be key in providing screening, referrals, follow-up care and patient education. Strengthening the link between communities and health facilities will help ensure that women receive timely care. We must appreciate that when communities are informed and engaged, and health facilities are supported, cancer care becomes more accessible, trusted and closer to where women live.
How is the coalition working with government and partners to ensure lasting impact beyond awareness?
Wocaca has been working closely with government and other partners to ensure that this campaign leads to long-term change. The goal is to influence policy, funding and health system reform. The coalition contributes to national cancer strategies, advocates for increased budget allocation to cancer care and other non-communicable diseases and supports capacity building for health workers. We also focus on partnerships on improving referral systems, strengthening treatment centres and integrating cancer care into broader health services.
By 2027, what concrete improvements would you like to see for women living with cancer in Malawi?
We would like to see early cancer diagnosis among women and girls, improved access to affordable and timely treatment and stronger psychosocial and palliative care services. We believe women should be protected from catastrophic health costs that push families deeper into poverty. We also hope to see reduced stigma, greater public understanding of cancer and more empowered women who are actively involved in shaping cancer policies and services. Success will mean a health system that treats women living with cancer not just as patients but as individuals whose dignity, voices, and unique needs will truly matter.
