Kiryandongo, 21 April 2015: Uganda commemorated the World Cancer Day, under the theme ‘Cancer prevention and control not beyond us’’.  The overarching message to the people was that individuals, communities, organisations and government have a role to play in the prevention and control of cancer; ranging from vaccination to palliative care.

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of State for Health in charge of General Duties who represented the Chief Guest Honorable Elioda Tumwesigye, the Minister of Health, encouraged people to go for cancer screening. He highlighted the need to have cancer detected and diagnosed early for successful treatment. He highlighted efforts by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to build capacity at all levels of health system in order to offer cancer services including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and  Hepatitis B vaccination, screening, treatment and palliative care. He further encouraged people to live healthy lifestyles and avoid tobacco and alcohol abuse as well as ensure that they exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and reduce intake of salt and sugar.

Dr. Hafisah Kasule a Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) expert at World Health Organization (WHO), who represented the WHO Country Representative highlighted tobacco use as one of the most important and avoidable risk factors for cancer. She called upon government to scale up access to vaccines for cancer prevention, screening services for early detection of cancer and provision of treatment and palliative care services. She reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting government in fighting cancer.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health also reiterated the Minister’s remarks on the need for early detection and treatment. She further said that the MOH has streamlined strategies of handling NCDs in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. She further said that roll out of cervical cancer screening services has been done in almost all districts in Uganda and pointed out that efforts to reach all districts are being made. She revealed that Hepatitis B screening had been rolled out in all districts.

The rise in the number of cases of cancer is due to ageing populations and the increasing adoption of risky behavior such as: unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercises, harmful use of alcohol as well as tobacco use. Infectious agents have been observed to be associated with 25% of cancer deaths in developing countries. They include hepatitis B and C viruses, Human papilloma virus (HPV) and HIV among others, and all these are prevalent in Uganda. They’ve significantly contributed to the burden of cervical cancer at 12% new cases each year and liver cancer with 8% of cancer cases each year, the most common cancers in Africa, among others.

WHO, in line with the WHO global frameworks on prevention and control of cancer,  provided  technical, logistical  and financial support. This support was in drafting an NCD control policy, the strategic plan for prevention of cervical cancer 2010-2014. WHO also provides capacity building and piloted comprehensive cervical cancer control at regional hospitals of Gulu Lira and Masaka.  Capacity building is yet to be done in Bundibugyo General Hospital to support cancer control activities in that part of the country.

Tobacco use is observed as the leading, yet avoidable cause for cancer causing 22% of local cancer deaths and 71% of global lung cancer deaths. The main messages of the day were:

• Cancer is preventable though appropriate vaccinations and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions when detected early through screening
• Cancer is treatable if diagnosed early.
• For advanced cases people can get palliative care to improve their quality of life.

The function was well attended by government officials, the UN family, Civil Society Organizations and the media.

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For more information, please contact:

Mwebembezi Edmond, Public Information Officer
Tel.: +256 414 335569
Cel.: +256 782 962674
Email: mwembembezie [at] who.int

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Below:

01. Dr. Kasule Hafisa from WHO delivers remarks on behalf of the WHO Country Representative

02. HIV and AIDS testing, cancer screening and Hepatitis B testing services were provided on the day

03. The Chief Guest Hon. Chris Baryomunsi yellow tie and other officials inspecting a stall at the function