'60% of all cancers can be cured if detected early'

__________________________

Early detection can cure 60 percent of all cancers, sparing patients from prolonged suffering, health experts say.

Health ministry commissioner in charge of non-communicable diseases Dr Charles Oyoo says certain cancers result from infections. He says Hepatitis B virus can lead to liver cancer, while HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer.

He notes that despite the availability of free Hepatitis B vaccines in all public facilities, the uptake remains low, highlighting the collective responsibility required for effective cancer prevention and control.

Through the Uganda Cancer Institute, the Government has established regional centres in Gulu, Arua, and Mbarara. 

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday ahead of the National Cancer Symposium slated for Thursday, Dr. Oyoo announced plans for another cancer centre in Mbale to serve the Eastern region. The symposium serves as a pivotal space where stakeholders come together to discuss progress, address challenges, and strategise the way forward in implementing the Uganda National Cancer Control Plan(UNCCP).

Dr Noleb Mugisha, the head of the Comprehensive Community Cancer Programme, underscored the importance of the Uganda National Cancer Control Plan (UNCCP), which focuses on health promotion, NCD cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, advocacy, policy, and survivorship.

In 2020, it was estimated that there were 34,008 new Cancer cases, 22,992 cancer deaths, and 62,548 adults living with cancer in Uganda.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, by 2040, there will be 77,510 new Cancer cases per year, an increase of 138 percent.

Uganda Cancer Society executive director Dennis Olodi said: "UNCCP becomes very important to control cancer, based on country's cancer burden, risk factor prevalence and the resources available to implement the plan in the context of our social economic environment and healthcare system".