pressug.com News 24 7
Related Articles
By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) on Thursday joined the rest of the world in commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives.”
The national commemoration, launched at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, aims to raise awareness, encourage screening, and promote early diagnosis to reduce the growing burden of breast cancer in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, emphasized that breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Uganda, accounting for a significant proportion of all female cancers treated at the institute.
“Uganda records over 4,000 new breast cancer cases each year, and tragically, many women still present with the disease at advanced stages. Yet, with early detection and timely treatment, up to 90% of breast cancers are curable,” Dr. Orem noted.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2024), breast cancer accounts for more than 23% of all new cancer cases among women in Uganda. The disease increasingly affects younger women, with many cases reported in women aged 30 to 50 years.
Late-stage presentation remains a key challenge, with nearly 80% of breast cancer patients being diagnosed when treatment outcomes are significantly poorer.
Dr. Orem urged women to take advantage of available screening services, including free or subsidized breast cancer care at UCI, supported by the Government of Uganda and development partners.
He encouraged regular breast self-examinations and prompt reporting of any unusual changes to health facilities.
To improve access, regional cancer centers have been established in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, and Arua, allowing women to access services closer to their communities.
October Awareness and Screening Activities by UCI and Partners:
- Free breast cancer screening at UCI and select regional hospitals
- Community sensitization campaigns via TV, radio, and social media
- Public education on breast self-examination and early warning signs
- Training health workers in screening and patient referral
Dr. Alfred Jatho, Head of Community Cancer Services at UCI, emphasized exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as one of the protective measures against breast cancer. He also addressed common misconceptions, urging men not to believe that sucking breasts prevents breast cancer, stating it has no scientific basis.
Dr. Naghib Bogere, an oncologist at UCI, outlined key risk factors for breast cancer:
- Advancing age
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Hormonal factors (early menstruation, late menopause)
- Lifestyle factors (obesity, inactivity, smoking, alcohol)
- Reproductive history (not breastfeeding, late childbirth)
Dr. Bogere stressed that prevention and early detection are critical in reducing breast cancer deaths. He recommends:
- Monthly breast self-examinations for early signs like lumps or pain
- Annual clinical breast exams by trained health workers
- Mammography screening for women aged 40 and above, or earlier for high-risk individuals
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, exercise, no smoking, limited alcohol
Breast cancer at UCI is managed using a comprehensive treatment approach, including:
- Surgery to remove tumors or the entire breast
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body
- Radiotherapy to destroy localized cancer
- Hormonal and targeted therapies for specific subtypes of breast cancer
Early detection truly saves lives. Women are encouraged to visit nearby screening centers, learn the signs, and take proactive steps toward breast health.
