By Christine Keehe
Uganda continues to grapple with a growing cancer burden, with health experts warning that late diagnosis, limited access to treatment and persistent stigma are fuelling preventable deaths across the country.
As the country recently marked World Cancer Day, renewed attention has been drawn to the scale of the crisis. According to estimates from the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), approximately 35,000 to 36,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, while about 24,600 deaths occur each year. In total, more than 72,000 Ugandans are affected by cancer annually, either as newly diagnosed patients or individuals living with the disease.
The most common cancers in Uganda include cervical, breast and prostate cancers, as well as Kaposi’s sarcoma and oesophageal cancer. Health officials say many of these cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, significantly reducing survival rates.
A 2022 Ministry of Health report indicates that more than 70 per cent of cancer patients in Uganda are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced. Experts attribute this trend to limited awareness, inadequate screening services and poor access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas.
Dr Julius Nkalubo, Deputy Director of the Fellowship Programme at UCI, emphasised that early detection remains the most effective way to reduce cancer-related deaths. He noted that fewer than 20 per cent of patients are diagnosed at an early stage, largely due to gaps in awareness and access to diagnostic services.
“Early detection and treatment are key to turning the tide and saving lives,” he has previously stated, underscoring the need for expanded screening and public education.
Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Uganda, claiming more than 4,000 lives each year. Despite the availability of preventive measures such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, uptake and coverage remain uneven in some regions. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with an estimated 7,000 new cases annually. Breast cancer also continues to affect a growing number of women, often detected at late stages.
Health experts point to a combination of myths, stigma and financial hardship as major barriers to timely treatment. Misconceptions that cancer is contagious or linked to curses persist in some communities, discouraging individuals from seeking medical attention early. At the same time, the high cost of treatment places a heavy burden on families. A single chemotherapy session can cost around UGX 500,000, an amount beyond the reach of many households.
Uganda also faces a shortage of specialised healthcare professionals. Fewer than 20 oncologists serve the entire country, limiting the capacity to manage the rising number of cases. Access to radiotherapy services is similarly constrained, with the World Health Organization estimating that only about 30 per cent of patients can access such treatment, primarily in urban centres.
The Uganda Cancer Institute remains the country’s primary referral centre for cancer care, although efforts are underway to expand services to regional facilities. Government and development partners have invested in new equipment and infrastructure, but demand continues to outpace supply.
Public health advocates argue that prevention and early detection must be prioritised to ease pressure on the healthcare system. Regular screening for cervical, breast and prostate cancers, alongside expanded HPV vaccination programmes, could significantly reduce incidence and mortality rates. Community health workers are increasingly being deployed to educate the public about cancer risk factors, including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets.
Community engagement has also been identified as a critical strategy in reducing stigma. Churches, schools and local leaders are being encouraged to disseminate accurate information about cancer symptoms and the importance of early medical consultation. Survivor support groups have emerged as important platforms for sharing experiences and encouraging others to seek timely care.
As Uganda reflects on World Cancer Day, health authorities are calling for sustained commitment beyond annual commemorations. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, investing in research and cancer registries, and increasing funding for regional cancer centres are among the priorities identified.
While the challenges remain significant, officials maintain that coordinated action involving government, healthcare professionals, civil society and communities can reduce the burden of cancer. With improved awareness, expanded screening and equitable access to treatment, Uganda aims to shift the narrative from late-stage diagnosis to early intervention and survival.