World Cancer Day reminds us that behind every diagnosis lies a person, with his or her history, constraints, priorities and fears. This year’s international theme, “United by Unique”, invites healthcare systems to recognize this diversity and organize care around patients’ lived realities.
In Haiti, this approach is directly linked to conditions of access to care. Cancer represents a growing burden for the country, while diagnostic and treatment capacities remain limited. Many patients consult their doctor late. Distance, transport costs, lack of information and fear of diagnosis delay entry into the healthcare system. When cancer is identified, the disease is often at an advanced stage.
This situation calls for a response that goes beyond the strictly medical. It requires a care organization capable of taking into account patients’ social and economic constraints. At Zanmi Lasante, cancer care is based on an integrated approach combining prevention, screening, clinical follow-up and social support. Teams work closely with communities to encourage early consultation, explain warning signs and remind people that care is available in the structures supported by the organization.
At Cange, cancer patients benefit from follow-up care provided by multidisciplinary teams. Doctors, nurses, community health workers and social workers are involved throughout the care process. This coordination ensures rigorous clinical follow-up while taking into account the realities of life for those in care, including the ability to travel, keep appointments and continue treatment over time.
The theme “United by unique” reminds us that health equity is not about offering a one-size-fits-all response, but about adapting care to each situation. In Haiti, this means recognizing structural inequalities, the limitations of the national system and families’ financial constraints. It also means investing in staff training, structuring care pathways and guaranteeing continuity, even in a context of instability.
On this World Cancer Day, Zanmi Lasante reaffirms a central conviction. Effective care starts with listening. Understanding life paths, adapting medical responses and accompanying patients over time are essential conditions for improving results and preserving dignity.
Supporting cancer care in Haiti means supporting care paths built around people. Your support helps to strengthen screening, ensure clinical follow-up and accompany patients faced with the disease.