Cancer Screening for 200 persons in Morocco

Cancer represents a major and growing public health challenge in Morocco, with more than 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality, with more than 8,800 new cases annually and nearly 8,000 deaths. Alarmingly, close to 90% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly limiting treatment options and survival outcomes.

This situation is largely explained by a lack of awareness of early symptoms, persistent misconceptions about risk factors, and limited access to appropriate screening for socio-economically vulnerable populations. Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that early detection—particularly through low-dose CT scan (LDCT) for high-risk populations—can significantly improve prognosis and reduce mortality.

In this context, Dar Zhor implemented a national Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign, which now serves as a strong evidence base and operational model for the proposed 2025 Breast and Lung Cancer Screening Project.

The Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed to:

• Inform and educate the general public using clear, accessible, and scientifically validated messages.

• Improve knowledge of lung cancer risk factors and early warning signs.

• Challenge misconceptions (lung cancer affects only smokers or only men).

• Promote early detection and medical consultation, particularly among high-risk groups.

• Encourage the adoption of preventive behaviors and a culture of screening.

These objectives are fully aligned with the 2025 project’s goal of strengthening prevention and early detection for both breast and lung cancer.

To achieve these objectives, Dar Zhor deployed a comprehensive and multi-channel approach:

• Production and dissemination of multilingual educational content (Arabic, Darija, Amazigh, French).

• Video capsules featuring pulmonologists, radiologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists.

• Visual awareness materials highlighting symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and the importance of early consultation.

• Strong emphasis on inclusivity: addressing smokers, ex-smokers, non-smokers, men, and women.

• Dissemination of a lung cancer pre-screening questionnaire in Arabic and French.

• Tool designed to encourage self-assessment, vigilance, and orientation toward medical consultation.

• Organization of a large-scale webinar titled “Lung Cancer: Prevent, Detect, Act.”

• Participation of nationally recognized medical experts in radiology, pneumology, and oncology.

• Live broadcast on Zoom and Facebook, with replay made available on YouTube.

• Interactive format allowing participants to ask questions and receive reliable medical information.

• On-site awareness session targeting employees of a partner organization, reinforcing key campaign messages and promoting early detection behaviors.

The campaign achieved strong quantitative and qualitative results:

• Cumulative digital reach: over 4.7 million views across social media platforms.

• High engagement with expert-led video capsules and patient testimony.

• Webinar participation: more than 440 participants from the general public and the medical community.

The distribution of views confirmed a strong public interest in medically validated information delivered by trusted professionals and supported by human stories.

Beyond numerical indicators, the campaign generated meaningful health and social impact:

• Improved understanding of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors.

• Increased vigilance regarding persistent respiratory symptoms.

• Better identification of populations at risk, including non-smokers.

• Reduction of stigma and misconceptions through patient testimony.

The integration of expert knowledge, interactive tools, and personal stories strengthened the campaign’s credibility and encouraged earlier medical consultation—key drivers of secondary prevention.

The campaign benefited from strong institutional and scientific partnerships, ensuring:

• Scientific accuracy and consistency of messages.

• National visibility and credibility.

• Effective coordination between digital, educational, and field-based actions.

This collaborative model demonstrates Dar Zhor’s capacity to mobilize stakeholders and healthcare professionals—an essential asset for the implementation of the 2025 project.

The Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign provides concrete proof of concept for the proposed 2025 project:

• Demonstrated ability to reach large audiences with limited resources.

• Proven effectiveness of combining awareness, education, and orientation toward screening.

• Experience in addressing socio-economically vulnerable groups through accessible formats.

• Scalable and replicable model applicable to both lung and breast cancer screening initiatives.8. Long-Term Vision and Sustainability

8. Building on the results of this campaign, Dar Zhor aims to:

• Expand awareness efforts to include facilitated access to screening exams through partnerships with healthcare facilities.

• Strengthen early detection pathways for disadvantaged populations.

• Encourage long-term behavioral change toward preventive health practices.

• Contribute to reduced cancer-related mortality and lower economic burden through earlier diagnosis.

The 2025 project capitalizes on validated experience and measurable impact, positioning Dar Zhor as a key actor in cancer prevention and early detection in Morocco.