KAMPALA,Uganda– With over 4,000 new breast cancer cases reported annually, Uganda is stepping up its fight against this deadly disease.
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at screening at least 50,000 women this October through community forums, free screening camps, and educational webinars.
“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. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, said.
He stressed that breast cancer is no longer a silent threat in Uganda, where many cases are detected at advanced stages.
However, Orem who was addressing journalists on the Cancer Awareness month at the Uganda Media Centred in Nakasero-Kampala on October 16, 2025, emphasized that with timely diagnosis and treatment, up to 90% of breast cancer cases can be cured.
The campaign, themed “Early Detection Saves Lives,” seeks to empower Ugandans with the knowledge and tools to take proactive steps against breast cancer.
This is comes amid growing concern over limited access to screening services in rural areas and cultural stigmas that often delay diagnosis.
Women over 40, those with a family history of cancer, and other high-risk groups were urged to schedule mammograms and clinical breast examinations.
To improve access, UCI is also deploying mobile screening units equipped with mammography technology to reach remote districts, particularly in northern and eastern Uganda.
Orem also highlighted ongoing collaborations with international partners such as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, which have enhanced UCI’s research and treatment capabilities.
He said investments are being made in expanding radiotherapy services and training more oncologists to meet the country’s growing needs.
The urgency of the campaign is underscored by data showing a dramatic drop in survival rates from over 90% when breast cancer is detected early, to less than 30% when diagnosed at later stages.
With lifestyle changes and an aging population expected to increase cancer cases by 20% by 2030, this initiative could not be more timely.
In a worrying trend, UCI also revealed an increase in breast cancer cases among men, who represent about 1 in every 100 cases in Uganda. “Most male breast cancer cases are diagnosed too late,” Orem warned, urging men to take the opportunity this awareness month to get screened early.
With these efforts, Uganda hopes to turn the tide on breast cancer, saving lives through education, early detection, and accessible treatment for all. According to Orem, breast cancer at the UCI is managed using a multidisciplinary approach, combining several advanced treatment modalities:
- Surgery – to remove cancerous tissue or, when necessary, the entire breast.
- Chemotherapy – to eliminate cancer cells throughout the body.
- Radiotherapy – to precisely target and destroy localized cancer cells.
- Hormonal and Targeted Therapies – tailored to specific breast cancer subtypes.
The institute also offers comprehensive breast cancer treatment, either free or heavily subsidized, and international development partners.
