Cancer youth 2025

OUR STORIES 2025

©BAFROW Medical Centre

Commemoration: Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Months (1 September – 31 October 2025)

Involving young people in breast and prostate cancer awareness

The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over the age of 50, while prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over 50—and as early as 45 among men of African descent. However, younger individuals can also be at risk, underscoring the importance of awareness and regular screening across all age groups.

BAFROW Medical Centre emphasizes the importance of involving adolescents and youth in breast and prostate cancer campaigns as early exposure to lifesaving information empowers young people to take control of their health. By learning to recognize warning signs, knowing when and where to access screening services and adopting healthy lifestyles early, they can significantly reduce their risk of developing these diseases later in life.

To this end, we hosted an education session on breast and prostate cancer for members of California United One Family, a youth football club based in Mandinaba Village, West Coast Region, on Friday, 3 October 2025. The initiative formed part of BAFROW’s on-going campaign to involve adolescents and youth in cancer prevention and awareness.

©BAFROW Medical Centre

Presentation of a cash donation of D10,000 to Ousman Njie, Coordinator of the California United One Family football club

During the interactive session, participants learned about the risk factors, symptoms, screening methods and healthy lifestyle practices that can reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

The event was attended by club representatives–Samba Sowe (Secretary), Ousman Njie (Coordinator), Bully Jawneh (Public Relations Officer), and Mbackeh Ceesay (Treasurer) –alongside BAFROW’s Executive Director, Ms. Fatou Waggeh, and members of the clinical and administrative teams.

To support the club’s activities and advocacy events, BAFROW presented cash and in‑kind donations, including D10,000, t‑shirts and jerseys, and footballs carrying awareness messages. Fliers and brochures were also distributed for wider dissemination among club members and the community.

By engaging young people, we aim to empower future generations with lifesaving knowledge, reduce cancer mortality rates and ease the social and economic burden of these diseases across The Gambia.