Rising cancer crisis: Uganda's battle against alcohol and STIs

Experts Warn of Growing Threat as Cancer Cases Soar

Experts in Uganda's fight against cancer have sounded the alarm over the escalating impact of alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the country's rising cancer rates.

As Uganda grapples with a surge in cancer-related deaths, concerns mount about the root causes and the urgent need for action.

Emmanuel Dombo, NRM spokesperson, shared a heart-wrenching tweet revealing the loss of over 30 individuals to cancer in just six months.

He said: "In a period of 6 months, I have lost over 30 people, either relatives, friends, or acquaintances to cancer. Some of them are religious leaders, senior public servants or ordinary people, and all dying younger! This is a bit unusual! Do we have a cancer epidemic in?"

 

In a period of 6 months, I have lost over 30 people, either relatives, friends, or acquaintances to cancer. Some of them are religious leaders, senior public servants or ordinary people, and all dying younger! This is a bit unusual! Do we have a cancer epidemic in 🇺🇬 ? @ainbyoo

— Emmanuel Lumala Dombo (@emmanuel_dombo) April 28, 2024

Dr Alfred Jatho, a leading cancer expert at the Cancer Institute, emphasised the gravity of the situation.

"Excessive alcohol consumption and STIs are fueling a dangerous spike in cancer cases across Uganda," he said.

Uganda's cancer burden extends far beyond statistics, with over 34,000 new cases reported annually.

Cancer knows no bounds in Uganda, affecting men, women, and children alike.

From cervical and breast cancer to skin and prostate cancer, the impact reverberates through families and communities, often linked to genetic predispositions.