Every October, a nationwide campaign across Morocco brings women’s health into the spotlight, focusing on early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancers. From the 1st to the 31st of the month, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection rolls out a wide-reaching initiative designed to raise awareness and encourage regular screenings. This campaign is part of the second phase of the National Plan for Cancer Prevention and Control, which will continue through 2029.
On the ground, a robust network of healthcare facilities drives the effort. Fifty-seven reproductive health reference centers, twelve regional oncology centers, and two specialized units within the university hospitals of Rabat and Casablanca are actively involved. To reach remote communities, twenty-seven mobile mammography units have been dispatched, ensuring even women in the most isolated areas can access screening services.
The goal is straightforward yet ambitious: make cancer screening available to as many women as possible, regardless of location, and provide timely, high-quality care from the earliest signs of illness. The urgency is clear—every year, around 13,000 Moroccan women are diagnosed with breast cancer, with nearly 4,000 losing their lives to the disease.
Dar Zhor, an advocacy group, underscores the critical role of early detection. They call on women as young as 25 to make prevention a personal priority, framing it not just as a medical necessity but as an opportunity. The campaign also aims to challenge cultural stigmas and encourage a united, community-driven fight against cancer.
This year’s campaign also highlights the importance of HPV vaccination, a key measure in preventing cervical cancer. Girls aged 11 are now eligible for the vaccine, thanks to coordinated efforts between health centers, schools, and local organizations. The inclusion of vaccination in the broader campaign reflects a strategic push for long-term impact, targeting causes before they become crises.
Healthcare professionals, civil society groups, and institutions are working hand-in-hand to amplify awareness, promote regular checkups, and support patients throughout their treatment journey.
Data from the Greater Casablanca Cancer Registry shows that breast cancer accounts for nearly 40% of all cancer cases among Moroccan women, followed by cervical cancer. These figures underline the need for both medical and social action—strengthening prevention tools and improving access to care is no longer optional, but essential.
The 2025 edition of Pink October reaffirms Morocco’s commitment to women’s health, reinforcing the public health agenda with a strong, collective push. It’s a campaign that not only promotes medical vigilance but also seeks to embed lasting health habits and a culture of openness across the country.
