By The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has launched a nationwide campaign to promote early breast cancer screening and treatment as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Speaking during the launch at the Uganda Media Centre, UCI Executive Director Dr. Jackson Orem said the campaign aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action by taking screening and education services closer to communities across Uganda.
“This year’s theme, ‘Early Detection Saves Lives,’ is not just a slogan. It is a life-saving message,” Dr. Orem said. “We are moving beyond Kampala to ensure women — especially those in rural areas have access to screening, diagnosis, and referral for treatment.”
Latest
Museveni Hails Raila Odinga as a Freedom Fighter and Pan-Africanist
Museveni Drop Betty Kamya Appoints Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala
Dr. Orem revealed that Uganda continues to experience a worrying rise in breast cancer cases, with over 4,000 new patients diagnosed annually. He noted that most patients still report late, when treatment becomes complex and costly.
“Almost 80 percent of the women we receive come when the disease has already advanced,” he said. “This can be prevented if women regularly examine themselves and seek early medical evaluation.”
The Institute announced that mobile cancer screening camps will be held in various regions, starting with Kampala, Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, and Arua, before extending to district-level health facilities. The initiative will involve partnerships with local governments, civil society organizations, and private health practitioners.
The campaign will also feature health education drives, media talk shows, and community sensitization events targeting schools, workplaces, and faith-based groups to encourage early testing and eliminate stigma around breast cancer.
Highlighting progress in cancer care, Dr. Orem said UCI now offers free or subsidized treatment supported by the government and international partners. “Uganda has the facilities and expertise to treat breast cancer successfully — what we need is early detection,” he said.
He also urged men to play a role in encouraging their partners and family members to get screened, noting that men can also develop breast cancer, albeit at lower rates.
“Cancer affects families and communities, not just individuals. Awareness and support from both genders are critical,” he said.
The Uganda Cancer Institute, established in 1967, is the national referral center for oncology and a World Health Organization (WHO) regional Centre of Excellence, providing treatment, research, and training for cancer management in East Africa.
