Womenʼs integrated cancer services: A blueprint for the future of womenʼs health in Africa

Cancer remains a significant issue affecting women, families, and health systems worldwide, including in the World Health Organization's African Region. Despite having effective tools for prevention, early detection, and treatment, many women are diagnosed too late, leading to uncertain survival and severe social and economic consequences.

The cause of this problem is not a lack of knowledge but rather persistent gaps in access, integration, and continuity of care. To address this, the Women's Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) initiative was developed. WICS is built on the foundation of primary healthcare (PHC) and provides a practical, scalable approach to delivering integrated cervical and breast cancer services together with other essential health services.

By bringing care directly to where women reside and seek it, WICS promotes equity, efficiency, and patient-centered care – key principles of universal health coverage (UHC).