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Cancer cases rise as health experts urge early screening

20 July 2026, 1:02 pm

Illustration of a cancer cell.

By Emmanuel Mwaka And Brian Oloya

Health experts have raised concerns over the rising number of cancer cases, urging the public to seek regular medical check-ups, adopt healthy lifestyles, and learn to recognize the early warning signs of the disease.

Speaking to our reporter, Dr. Enock Lucamuzi medical officer at the Uganda cancer institute (UCI) Regional cancer Centre Gulu explained that cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread, damaging healthy tissues and organs.

He noted that while cancer can affect almost any part of the body including the breast, cervix, prostate, lungs, liver, and colon early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

According to Dr. Enock, cancer is a non-communicable disease that can affect individuals of all age groups, though different demographics are susceptible to different types. He specifically warned that children aged five and above are at a high risk of developing certain cancers, such as leukemia.

. Dr. Enock Lucamuzi on risk factors and age group.
Dr. Enock Lucamuzi a medical officer at the Uganda Cancer Institute Gulu regional center while appearing on Speak Fm for a radio talkshow.

Senior Health Educator for Gulu district Dr. William Onyai noted that there are over 100 different types of cancer. He outlined several key warning signs to watch out for, including unusual swellings (such as lumps in the breast), difficulty urinating, difficulty swallowing water, and wounds that refuse to heal.

Dr. Onyai William on some of the common signs and symptoms of cnacers.
Dr. Onyai William the Gulu District Senior Health Educator while appearing on Speak FM for a radio talk show.

 Dr. George Olanya, a health educator at the UCI Gulu center, emphasized that cancer can often be prevented through lifestyle modifications. He highlighted the importance of regular exercise, noting that excessive body weight is a major risk factor. Dr. Olanya also advised the public to maintain a balanced diet to boost immunity, reduce salt intake, and avoid smoking

Dr. Olanya George on some of the preventive measures oof cancers.
Dr. George Olanya the Health Educator at the UCI Gulu regional center for a talk show on Speak Fm.

Uganda records roughly 33,000 to 34,000 new cancer cases every single year. Only about 20% of cancer patients in Uganda survive past 5 years, largely because up to 80% of cases are diagnosed at late, advanced stages.