Uganda Cancer Institute calls on men to prioritise prostate cancer screening

12 November 2026, 10:17 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has called on men across the country to prioritise prostate cancer awareness and early screening as Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this November.

The call was made by Dr Alfred Jatho, Head of Community Cancer Awareness at UCI, during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

Dr Jatho said prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer illness and death among men in Uganda, with an estimated 2,537 new cases diagnosed annually.

He noted that although prostate cancer can be treated more effectively when detected early, about 80 per cent of Ugandan patients reach specialised health facilities when the disease has already advanced to stages III or IV.

He attributed the late diagnosis to low screening uptake, stigma and limited diagnostic services, particularly in rural areas.

He advised men aged 40 and above to start discussing prostate health with healthcare providers, particularly those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, as they may face a higher risk of developing the disease.

Dr Jatho cautioned men against waiting for symptoms such as difficulty urinating, blood in urine and lower back pain before seeking medical attention, noting that these could indicate advanced disease.

He encouraged men to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests after consulting health professionals, break the silence surrounding the disease and avoid myths that discourage screening.

He also urged families, including spouses and children, to support men in seeking medical attention. He further encouraged men to maintain a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods and maintaining a healthy body weight, noting that obesity is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Cancer Institute revealed that it is engaging government and policymakers to expand cancer treatment services, particularly in rural areas.

The institute is pushing for the establishment of operational regional cancer centres in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale and Arua to bring specialised services closer to patients.

It is also proposing that health facilities be equipped with PSA testing and biopsy services to improve early detection. Other priorities include expanding screening services across the country and investing in the training and recruitment of more oncology health workers.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory’s Uganda Fact Sheet, prostate cancer accounts for approximately 1,544 deaths annually in the country.