In Côte d’Ivoire, the Pink October 2026 campaign is raising awareness about breast cancer and improving access to screening. According to the GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, breast cancer accounted for 4,845 new cases and 2,284 deaths in 2024, making it the most common cancer among Ivorian women. This year, the campaign is expanding to interior cities, and a public mammography truck, known as a mammomobile, has been introduced to make examinations more accessible. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including late diagnosis and the high cost of treatments for many women who lack health insurance. Since October 1, various initiatives have taken place in Abidjan and other regions, with the Coalition of Cancer Fighting Organizations in Côte d’Ivoire (COLCC) launching its campaign in a press conference at the Plateau, alongside the National Cancer Fight Program (PNLCa) and the Roche laboratory. COLCC president Fatou Fadika Coulibaly emphasized that prevention should not be limited to October, saying, "Ladies, your breasts do not wait for October." On October 2, three Rotary clubs began a sensitization and free screening operation for breast and cervical cancer. Their goal is to examine 6,000 women in the towns of Béoumi, Agnibilékrou, and Agboville on October 10, 17, and 24, respectively. They also plan to sensitize 15,000 women in these areas. The GLOBOCAN 2024 data, published in July 2026, highlights that breast cancer makes up 40.7% of new female cancers in Côte d’Ivoire, surpassing cervical cancer, which is estimated at 2,540 cases. Overall, the country saw 20,402 new cancer cases and 12,710 cancer-related deaths in 2024. These figures, presented by the PNLCa in July, replaced the 2022 estimates, which showed 3,869 breast cancer cases. The increase is not necessarily due to a rise in the disease but reflects updated data collection methods. A key innovation this year is the mammomobile, a public mammography truck provided by the Ministry of Health with funding from Roche. Launched in March 2026, the truck is equipped with a mammograph and ultrasound and aims to bring screening closer to women, especially in areas far from specialized centers in Abidjan. This addresses the challenge many face in accessing screening, which often requires expensive and time-consuming travel. Local campaigns have also been organized, such as a free screening day in M’Brimbo on October 3 by the NGO Cœur Glorieux, where 236 women were examined. Other events took place in Sikensi and Abobo, while local administrations held awareness sessions. These efforts aim to reach women who might not seek out screening on their own. Late diagnosis remains a significant challenge in Côte d’Ivoire. Women may delay consulting a doctor after noticing a lump or other changes in their breast, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The WHO Regional Office for Africa emphasizes the role of primary health care in early detection, as these centers are often the first point of contact for women with symptoms. Professor Innocent Adoubi, director coordinator of the PNLCa, recommends that women consult a doctor annually and be screened from the age of 25. He also advises self-examination from the age of 30 and highlights the importance of mammography from 40 to 45. However, self-examination alone is not a substitute for medical evaluation. The cost of treatment is another major barrier, with only 20% of breast cancer patients in Côte d’Ivoire having health insurance. Many rely on family support, which can lead to treatment interruptions and worsen outcomes.