The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has launched a nationwide campaign urging Ugandans to prioritize regular screenings and early diagnosis under the theme: “Early Detection Saves Lives.”

The initiative comes amid a rising burden of breast cancer in the country and aims to provide actionable steps for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, painted a stark picture of the disease’s impact.

“Each year, Uganda records more than 4,000 new breast cancer cases, many of them at advanced stages. Yet with early detection and treatment, up to 90% are curable,” Dr. Orem said.

He emphasized that late diagnoses are often due to limited access to screening in rural areas and cultural stigmas surrounding cancer.

The UCI Executive Director urged women over 40, those with a family history of cancer, and other high-risk groups to schedule mammograms and clinical breast exams immediately.

While aligned with global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign has been specifically tailored to Uganda, where breast cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women, followed by cervical cancer.

UCI data shared during the briefing showed that survival rates drop dramatically from over 90% in early-stage detection to below 30% when diagnosed late, a trend worsened by the country’s overburdened healthcare system.

To tackle this challenge, UCI announced the expansion of mobile screening units, including mammography-equipped vans, which will reach remote districts in northern and eastern Uganda over the coming weeks.

Dr. Orem praised ongoing partnerships with institutions such as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, which have strengthened UCI’s research into locally relevant treatments.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, UCI reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up resources, including investments in additional radiotherapy machines and the training of oncologists, ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind.

With cancer cases projected to rise by 20% by 2030 due to lifestyle changes and an aging population, the campaign is a timely call to action.

UCI plans a series of community forums, free screening camps, and educational webinars throughout October, aiming to screen at least 50,000 women nationwide.

“Early detection is our strongest weapon against breast cancer. We urge every Ugandan, especially women at risk, to take action now, your life could depend on it,” Dr. Orem concluded.

With awareness, screening, and access to treatment, breast cancer is no longer a silent threat. UCI’s nationwide campaign empowers every Ugandan with the knowledge and tools to take action, because early detection is not just a choice, it is a powerful step that can save lives and offer hope for the future.