By Diana. N. kintu
Uganda’s health experts are raising alarm over the growing burden of prostate cancer among men in the country, urging families, communities, and policymakers to take immediate steps to promote early detection and treatment. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday morning, Dr. Fred Okuku, a Consultant Oncologist at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), revealed that prostate cancer has now become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide.
Dr. Okuku noted that the rising mortality is largely linked to late diagnosis. Many men, he said, seek medical attention only when the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage. Factors such as limited awareness, stigma, cultural barriers, and fear of medical testing continue to prevent men from seeking timely healthcare, resulting in poorer survival outcomes.
Recent data presented by the Uganda Cancer Institute highlights the increasing prevalence of the disease across the country. In the Mbarara region, prostate cancer accounts for the highest number of adult cancer cases, representing 18% of all new diagnoses, with 176 men registered in the latest reporting period. At the UCI’s main facility in Kampala, the disease is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, making up 11% of new patients, totaling 764 cases. A similar trend is observed at the Gulu regional cancer centre, where prostate cancer also ranks third and contributes 13% of new cancer cases.
“These figures are telling us that prostate cancer is not a localized problem—it is affecting men in all parts of the country and across all social and economic backgrounds,” Dr. Okuku said. He emphasized that men aged 45 and above face the highest risk, especially those with a family history of prostate, breast, or related cancers.
While early prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, many patients only seek medical help after experiencing severe warning signs. Common symptoms include difficulty or pain during urination, blood in urine or semen, persistent lower back or pelvic pain, and unexplained weight loss. By this stage, treatment becomes more complex, more expensive, and less likely to result in full recovery.
“This late presentation significantly reduces a patient’s chances of survival,” Dr. Okuku explained. “We need to increase awareness so that men understand the importance of screening before symptoms appear.”
Despite the worrying trends, specialists maintain that prostate cancer is highly treatable if detected early. A simple Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and medical examination can identify abnormalities long before the disease becomes advanced. The Uganda Cancer Institute is now urging all men aged 45 and above to undergo annual screening, with even earlier testing recommended for individuals with a family history of related cancers.
Beyond medical interventions, Dr. Okuku stressed that defeating prostate cancer requires collective responsibility. He called on men to prioritize their health, seek advice early, and openly discuss prostate concerns with family and doctors. He also encouraged spouses and relatives to support the men in their homes and help reduce the stigma surrounding male reproductive health.
Dr. Okuku further appealed to community leaders, the media, and government agencies to strengthen public education, promote screening campaigns, and invest in accessible cancer care services across the country. Improved awareness, he said, could help reverse the trend and save thousands of lives.
“Prostate cancer does not have to be a silent killer,” he concluded. “With early detection, timely treatment, and stronger community support, we can protect the lives of men across Uganda and secure a healthier future for families nationwide.”