Emotional Support
Providing compassionate care and counseling for patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.
Fighting Against Cancer in Africa
Inspiring Hope.
Saving Lives.
Helping women affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services across Africa.
About FACIA
Easing the Burden of Cancer
Every day, thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer. At FACIA, our ultimate goal is to ease the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis. With the assistance of medical advisors, doctors and hospital administrators, our aid to families is swift and effective.
Financial Assistance
Helping defray the costs of treatments, prescriptions, medical supplies, lodging and transportation.
Early Detection
Community education about mammograms, self-exams and yearly check-ups. Partnering with hospitals for low-cost screenings.
Community Outreach
Teaming up with local charities and NGOs to educate women about available resources in their communities.
“In Africa, the cost of life-saving medical treatments is high and many families cannot afford it — causing many patients to go without any cancer treatment.”
Breast Cancer Awareness
Know the Signs
Every person should know the symptoms and signs of breast cancer. Any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a healthcare professional. Breast cancer is curable if identified early.
Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
A change in skin texture or enlargement of pores (similar to an orange peel's texture)
Any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling anywhere on the breast
Unexplained swelling or shrinkage (especially if on one side only)
Recent asymmetry of the breasts
Nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted
Skin that becomes scaly, red, or swollen with ridges or pitting
ONE IN SEVEN women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. We urge you to reach out to seven women in your life and start the conversation about this disease. Stress the importance of yearly mammograms, physicals, and monthly self-exams.
Monthly Self Exam
How to Do a Self Exam
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump.” — Johns Hopkins Medical Center
In the Shower
Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern from the outside to the center. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot.
In Front of a Mirror
Visually inspect your breasts with arms at your sides, then raised overhead. Look for changes in contour, swelling, dimpling, or nipple changes. Rest palms on hips and press to flex chest muscles.
Lying Down
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast in small circular motions. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Repeat for left breast.
If you feel a lump or knot, don't panic. Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Understanding the Disease
Types of Breast Cancer
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast milk duct. Very early cancer that is highly treatable, but if left untreated can spread into surrounding breast tissue.
Highly treatable when detected early
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
Abnormal cancer cells that began in the milk ducts have spread beyond into other parts of the breast tissue. The most common type of breast cancer, making up nearly 70–80% of all diagnoses. Also the type that most commonly affects men.
70–80% of all breast cancer diagnoses
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
The tumor cells lack estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2 receptors, making common hormone therapies ineffective. More likely to affect younger people, African Americans, Hispanics, and those with BRCA1 gene mutation. Chemotherapy remains an effective treatment option.
10–20% of diagnosed breast cancers
Ask FACIA
Have a Question?
Ask our awareness guide about warning signs, self-exams, or types of breast cancer. Answers are educational and based on FACIA's materials — for personal concerns, always see a healthcare professional.
Still need to reach our team? Chat with us on WhatsApp +220 660 0533
Join the Fight
How You Can Help
With your help, we can save lives. Join forces with FACIA and make a difference in the fight against cancer in Africa.
Make a Donation
Your monetary donation directly benefits women enduring breast cancer treatments today. All donations go to pay for screenings, treatment, and palliative care.
Volunteer
Join our team on the ground. Help with community outreach events, education programs, and support services for patients and families.
Corporate Sponsorship
Our corporate partners provide us with the opportunity to reach people where they live, work, and play — through financial contributions and unique support.
Get in Touch
Contact FACIA
Want to partner with us, volunteer, or learn more about our mission? Reach out — we'd love to hear from you.