As Busoga warms up for the 2024 Cancer Run, doctors continue sounding warnings against the deadly disease. Dr. Kibuuka Afizzi, Deputy Hospital Director and Clinical Head of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, has urged the Busoga community to prioritize seeking medical help for cancer.
He highlighted the alarming prevalence of the disease among both men and women. However, Dr. Kibuuka noted that women, in particular, are often hesitant to seek medical assistance and undergo check-ups, neglecting diagnosis and scans, despite these services being free at the hospital.
Dr. Kibuuka made these remarks during the official launch of the “Fight Women’s Cancer” campaign at Rays of Hope Hospice in Jinja City. The campaign, launched on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, will culminate in a cancer marathon on October 26, themed “Detect, Treat, and Defeat.”
Ms. Sylvia Nakami, the Executive Director of Rays of Hope, emphasized the need for vigilance among women, as cancer cases predominantly affect them. She revealed that the disease prevalence among women stands at 60%.
Breast and cervical cancer are the most common types among women, while prostate cancer is most prevalent among men.
“The cancer cases are diverse, but we are primarily focusing on women’s cancers because they are the most affected, which is why we have this fight against cancer,” Ms. Nakami said. She also noted that breast cancer can be detected early, while cervical cancer is preventable.
Through screening, cancer can be detected and treated, and Ms. Nakami urged sexually active women to embrace regular screening.
According to Ms. Nakami, they deal with over 700 cases every month, with 60% of these cases affecting individuals across the Busoga subregion. She highlighted that Kaliro and Buyende districts are the areas with the highest cancer cases.
“About 500 out of the 700 patients we care for have cancer. When you look at our statistics, you realize that esophageal cancer is currently the most common type among men,” she added.
Ms. Nakami also explained that a lack of information and widespread ignorance within the community are significant challenges. “Those who know a little about the disease don’t share it with others,” she said.
Through community engagements in the Busoga region, approximately 6% of individuals are treated on-site, and she encouraged the community to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect against cervical cancer.
However, patients like Apio Florence from Buikwe District and Hadijah from Bududa District expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rays of Hope Hospice. They credited the hospice, in conjunction with Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, for transforming their lives.
Apio shared that she had been going through a difficult time, but her life changed after she was connected with Rays of Hope Hospice. She underwent a diagnostic scan after two weeks of treatment.
“I spent 25 days in Mulago for radiotherapy, but now I feel my life has changed. Cancer is dangerous and can kill, but if check-ups are done immediately, it can be treated,” Apio said.
Rays of Hope Hospice has organized the cancer marathon since 2016, running to raise awareness about the disease. The initiative has officially become an annual campaign to strengthen efforts to combat cancer in the country.
