AstraZeneca reaffirms commitment to cancer care with innovative and equitable solutions
What you need to know:
- AstraZeneca, with its strong oncology focus, is making strides in improving early cancer diagnosis, advocating for patients, and ensuring equitable access to advanced treatments across Africa.
On World Cancer Day 2025, AstraZeneca is reaffirming its unwavering commitment to revolutionizing cancer care through early detection, innovative treatments, and comprehensive patient care. The global biopharmaceutical company joins the world in marking this important day under the theme “United by Unique,” emphasizing the need for patient-centered care, innovation, and collaboration to drive better cancer outcomes.
AstraZeneca, with its strong oncology focus, is making strides in improving early cancer diagnosis, advocating for patients, and ensuring equitable access to advanced treatments across Africa. Through targeted initiatives aimed at addressing the critical gaps in cancer care, the company works closely with healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and government institutions to improve cancer outcomes on the continent.
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with delayed diagnoses and limited access to care often worsening survival rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that cancer mortality in sub-Saharan Africa could nearly double by 2030.
In response, AstraZeneca has launched several initiatives to enhance the timely and accurate detection of cancer. One such initiative, Connect to Care, developed in collaboration with Axios International and leading medical associations, aims to accelerate lung cancer diagnosis and improve patient outcomes through multidisciplinary collaboration.
The African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, Deepak Arora, stressed the importance of these efforts: “Our mission at AstraZeneca is to bridge the gap in cancer care. By improving access to diagnostics and treatments, we aim to transform cancer outcomes across the continent. Early detection is a critical factor in survival, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that create real, positive change for patients.”
AstraZeneca is also strengthening molecular testing infrastructure in key African countries such as Nigeria and Kenya. Through partnerships with institutions like Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, the company is introducing advanced diagnostic technologies like EGFR testing for lung cancer. Additionally, AstraZeneca has launched a diagnostic patient navigation program to ensure a seamless journey from suspicion to diagnosis.
In South Africa, AstraZeneca is leveraging cutting-edge technology through a collaboration with Medsol AI Solutions. Together, they’ve launched Project Flamingo, an AI-powered healthcare innovation that allows for real-time breast ultrasound scans with predictive analysis to improve early breast cancer detection in underserved communities. This AI-driven tool has demonstrated a 97.6% accuracy rate in predicting malignancies, supporting early detection efforts and alleviating pressure on public health systems.
Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director at AstraZeneca, emphasized, “We are committed to advancing innovation in oncology care through early detection and precision diagnostics. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies and developing patient-centered solutions, we aim to empower both patients and healthcare providers to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.”
AstraZeneca’s Cancer Care Africa programme, launched in Kenya in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, KESHO, Axios, and NCI, underscores the company’s dedication to holistic and equitable healthcare. This initiative strengthens capacity, enhances diagnostics, empowers patients, and improves access to advanced cancer treatments across the region.
In its mission to further cancer care infrastructure, AstraZeneca has also supported the availability of critical diagnostic tools such as ultrasound biopsy machines for prostate cancer and biomarker testing technology for lung cancer. Moreover, the company is helping to build a more skilled oncology workforce through healthcare professional training.
World Cancer Day 2025 calls for collective action to enhance cancer care, with a focus on the uniqueness of every individual’s cancer journey. AstraZeneca’s people-centric approach aligns with this theme, driving innovation and placing patients at the heart of their efforts. With a focus on early detection, advanced therapies, and equitable healthcare, AstraZeneca is inspiring hope and fostering transformative progress in cancer care.
