Uganda Cancer Institute urges early detection as breast cancer awareness month begins

16 October 2025, 4:01 pm

By Musaazi Richard

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has joined the global community in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme: “Early Detection Saves Lives.” The launch, held today at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage screening, and promote early diagnosis to reduce its growing impact on Ugandan women.

Speaking at the event, UCI Executive Director Dr Jackson Orem highlighted that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Uganda.

“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,” Dr Orem said.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2024), breast cancer accounts for over 23% of all new cancer cases among Ugandan women. The disease increasingly affects women aged between 30 and 50, and late presentation remains a major challenge, with nearly 80% of patients diagnosed at advanced stages.

Dr Orem encouraged women to perform regular breast self-examinations, seek clinical checks annually, and utilise mammography screening, particularly for those over 40 or at higher risk. Risk factors include age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, hormonal and reproductive factors, and lifestyle habits such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.

UCI provides comprehensive breast cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal or targeted therapies, with treatment either free or subsidised by the government and development partners. The institute is also expanding regional cancer centres in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, and Arua to bring services closer to communities.

Throughout October, UCI is conducting free breast cancer screenings at its facility and selected regional hospitals, alongside community sensitisation campaigns on radio, TV, and social media, public education drives, and training health workers on screening and referral.

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

Established in 1967, the Uganda Cancer Institute serves as the national referral centre for oncology and a regional Centre of Excellence for Cancer Treatment, Research, and Training in Africa.