Uganda Cancer Institute Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Call for Early Detection

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has joined the rest of the world in commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives.” The commemoration, launched at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, underscores the urgent need to raise awareness, encourage screening, and promote early diagnosis to curb the rising burden of breast cancer in Uganda.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, emphasized that breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Uganda, accounting for the highest proportion of female cancer cases treated at UCI.

“Each year, Uganda records more than 4,000 new cases of breast cancer, 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,” said Dr. Orem.

He urged women to take advantage of available screening services, perform regular breast self-examinations, and promptly report any unusual changes to health facilities.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2024): Breast cancer accounts for over 23% of all new cancer cases among women in Uganda, it increasingly affects younger women, with most cases occurring between the ages of 30 and 50, and nearly 80% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment outcomes are poorer.

While the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, several factors can increase a woman’s risk, including: Age: Risk increases with age, Family history: Breast or ovarian cancer among close relatives, Hormonal factors: Early menstruation or late menopause, Lifestyle factors: Obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, and Reproductive factors: Not breastfeeding or having the first child after age 30.

The Uganda Cancer Institute continues to emphasize prevention and early detection as the most effective ways to reduce breast cancer deaths. The Institute recommends: Monthly breast self-examinations to detect unusual lumps or changes, clinical breast examinations by trained health workers at least once a year, mammography screening for women aged 40 and above, or earlier for those at higher risk, and healthy lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

At the Uganda Cancer Institute, breast cancer treatment is provided through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, including: Surgery to remove cancerous tissue, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, radiotherapy to target localized tumors, and hormonal and targeted therapies for specific cancer subtypes.

Dr Orem told reporters that UCI offers free or subsidized cancer treatment services supported by the Government of Uganda and development partners. To expand access, the Institute is decentralizing services through regional cancer centers in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, and Arua, bringing specialized care closer to communities.

Throughout October, UCI and its partners are carrying out a range of activities, including: Free breast cancer screening at UCI and select regional hospitals, community sensitization campaigns via TV, radio, and social media, public education drives on breast self-examination and early warning signs, and training health workers in breast cancer screening and referral processes.

“Breast cancer is treatable and curable when caught early. We call upon all Ugandans to spread the message that early detection saves lives,” Dr. Orem added.