Busoga Community Urged to Take Action Against Cancer

Dr. Kibuuka Afizzi, Deputy Director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, has urged the Busoga community to prioritize seeking medical assistance for cancer, highlighting the increasing prevalence of the disease among both men and women.

“Women, in particular, fear seeking medical assistance and check-ups, neglecting diagnosis and scans, despite these services being free at the hospital,” Dr. Kibuuka emphasized.

He made these remarks during the official launch of the "Fight Women's Cancer" campaign at Rays of Hope Hospice on Kiira Road in Jinja City, on October 1, 2024. The event was held under the theme "Detect, Treat, and Defeat."

According to Executive Director of Rays of Hope Hospice, Sylvia Nakami, women in the community must remain vigilant as cancer cases are diverse, with 60% of the cases predominantly affecting women. “Breast and cervical cancer are the most common types,” she noted. 

She added that statistics indicate 700 patients visit monthly across the region, with 500 diagnosed with cancer. Among men, prostate cancer is the most common, while cervical and breast cancer are prevalent among women. 

Nakami also mentioned that through community engagements in Busoga, 6% of the patients receive treatment on-site. She encouraged the community to take HPV vaccinations to prevent certain types of cancer.

Patients like Apio Florence from Buikwe District and Hadijah from Bududa District expressed their gratitude to Rays of Hope Hospice and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. They shared how their lives have been transformed after receiving treatment.

“We went through a lot, but after connecting with Rays of Hope, our lives changed,” the patients recounted. They underwent diagnostic scans, received two weeks of treatment, and spent 25 days at Mulago Hospital undergoing radiotherapy. "Cancer is dangerous and kills, but with immediate check-ups, healing is possible,” they added.

The spokesperson for Kiira Region, SP James Mubi, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the role of continued support and financial power in improving human health. “We are providing all the necessary security for the cancer campaign in the region,” Mubi assured.