Africa is one of the regions hardest hit by the growing global cancer crisis, with more than half a million people dying of the disease each year. Limited access to cancer care services means these figures could almost double by 2020, unless action is taken now. The 6th AORTIC International Conference, held in Cape Town, South Africa, at the end of October, aimed at identifying cancer challenges in Africa, exchanging ideas and finding solutions. Attracting more than 400 delegates from 40 different countries, it was the largest cancer event ever to be staged in Africa.