Cancer has long been associated with old age; however, in recent years, there has been an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses among younger populations. This unsettling trend is particularly concerning for Africa, a continent already grappling with many health challenges.
According to Yale Medicine, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men younger than 50, which shows the need for urgent action. African governments and health ministries need to ask a fundamental question: Do our people know enough about their health to act? The answer, in far too many cases, is no. That is why Africa must make a bold, continent-wide investment in health literacy. We must approach health literacy as the foundation of economic development and social justice, recognising that a healthy population is the cornerstone of a thriving society. Without widespread health literacy, we risk perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and preventable diseases that undermine individual potential and societal progress.
Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about one’s health, is often overlooked but is crucial in fighting cancer. Investing in health literacy could be one of the most cost-effective and transformative ways to improve preventive care and, in turn, reduce the strain on Africa’s fragile healthcare systems. Without health literacy, many individuals are unaware of the risks of cancer or the importance of early screening and prevention. As a result, they only seek medical attention when the disease has advanced to a point where treatment is no longer effective or affordable. For example, a simple education campaign about the risks of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity could lead to healthier lifestyles across large populations. Teaching individuals about the importance of regular screenings for conditions like cervical cancer, breast cancer, or diabetes could empower people to act before diseases reach a critical stage. In countries where healthcare resources are limited, this proactive approach can alleviate the overwhelming burden placed on hospitals and clinics, ensuring that those who need treatment the most can access it.
Health literacy also plays a huge role in mitigating the effects of unequal access to care. Rural areas are underserved by healthcare infrastructure and personnel, and health literacy can serve as a bridge. Educating individuals in these regions about the importance of vaccination, screenings, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can drastically reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and create healthier communities.
Governments, the medical community, and the media must continue to focus on health education. We must improve health literacy across all demographics, especially younger adults who may not yet see themselves at risk of cancer. Offering clear, accessible information through social media, public service campaigns, and primary care providers can help demystify what might otherwise feel like daunting or overly complex medical issues. This means using language that is easy to understand, providing context for why screenings are important, and empowering individuals to ask questions and advocate for their health.
The stakes are higher for Africa in the face of growing health challenges, and the question is no longer whether we can afford to invest in health literacy but whether we can afford not to. For the sake of Africa’s future, it is time to make health literacy a priority and build a healthier continent for generations to come.
- Dr Motunrayo Ogunrinbokun writes from Gainesville, Florida, USA
