By The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has sounded a fresh alarm over the rising burden of prostate cancer in the country, warning that the disease has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Ugandan men and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, UCI Consultant Oncologist Dr. Fred Okuku revealed that regional cancer centres are reporting an upward trend in new prostate cancer cases, with a significant number of men presenting at advanced stages when treatment is more difficult and less effective.
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According to UCI data, prostate cancer accounts for 18% of new adult cancers in Mbarara, making it the region’s leading malignancy with 176 new cases recorded. At the UCI main branch in Kampala, it represents 11% of new cases, with 764 men diagnosed. In Gulu, it accounts for 13% of new cases, ranking third with 68 men affected.
Dr. Okuku said the trend is driven largely by late presentation due to low awareness, stigma, fear, and persistent myths around cancer and male health. “Many men come when the disease has already advanced when symptoms like difficulty passing urine, blood in urine, pelvic pain, or unexplained weight loss have already appeared,” he noted. “At that stage, treatment becomes more complicated, more expensive, and the survival chances are lower.”
He emphasized that men aged 45 years and above, and those with a family history of prostate, breast, or related cancers, are at the highest risk and must undergo annual screening. A simple PSA blood test and medical examination can detect early disease long before symptoms appear.
Despite the rising burden, Dr. Okuku said prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. UCI continues to expand its diagnostic and treatment capacity, offering radiotherapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care. The Institute is also strengthening imaging services, laboratories, medicine availability and intensifying community outreaches to improve early detection across the country.
However, he stressed that UCI cannot fight the disease alone. He called on families to encourage male relatives to get screened, and on workplaces, community leaders, and media houses to help normalise conversations around prostate health. Policy makers were urged to invest more in prevention, early detection systems and accessible treatment services.
“As a country, we must treat prostate cancer as the urgent public health challenge it is,” Dr. Okuku said. “With awareness, early screening, and strong community support, we can stop prostate cancer from being a silent killer.”
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