A growing cancer crisis is gripping communities across Uganda, with health experts warning that rising cases are being fuelled by fear of screening, widespread myths and a dangerous reliance on herbal remedies and witchcraft healers.
Although the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has expanded countrywide outreach, screening attendance remains low, leaving most patients to arrive at health facilities only when their cancers have progressed to advanced stages that are harder and more expensive to treat.
Health workers say breast, cervical and prostate cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed, yet they are also among the most preventable when detected early.
But misinformation continues to hinder screening uptake.
“Many people fear cancer screening because of the myths in the community,” says Dinavence Kebirungi, an educationist with UCI.
“When cancer is detected very early, it is treatable. But unless you check, you won’t know.”
Kebirungi says many women who fear they have cancer often turn out to be suffering from infections and stresses the need for accurate diagnosis.
“Many women have pelvic inflammatory diseases and other infections. The pain they talk about is not because of cancer. When checked, they find they have no cancer at all but need proper treatment for infections,” she says.
Those who have gone for screening report a wide range of symptoms that prompted them to seek help, including breast pain, back pain, foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pressure and burning during urination.
Health workers emphasize that while such symptoms may be linked to infections, they can also signal serious conditions like breast, cervical or prostate cancer, making early screening essential rather than relying on guesswork or herbal treatments.
Breast cancer warning signs include a hard breast lump, discharge of milk or blood, or painful swelling.
Cervical cancer may present as foul-smelling discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding or persistent lower abdominal pain.
Prostate cancer can manifest through frequent urination, difficulty passing urine, back pain or pelvic discomfort.
Among those screened in Ntungamo District was Betty Nambona from Itojjo, who said she had been troubled by persistent pain.
“I had so much pain all over and back pain. I screened for both breast and cervical cancer, but I found that I am well,” she said.
Shine Ashaba from Rwamabondo reported breast pain and occasional pus discharge.
“I came to check and see what could be the problem. If it’s cancer, they see how to treat me,” she said. Steven Ngazaire sought screening for prostate cancer after frequent urination, constipation and severe back pain.
“They have told me I am fine,” he said.
In Ntungamo District, District Health Officer Dr Amon Bahati says affordability and misinformation remain major barriers.
“Previously, our people could not afford cancer screening. We have seen many go to Uganda Cancer Institute when their cancer is already in late stages. We want to screen them early because cancer can be cured when detected early. Some people are misinformed about cancer and they use herbs,” he says.
Experts continue to urge communities to make use of free and subsidised screening services now available across health centre IIIs, IVs and district hospitals, warning that delays driven by fear, myths and alternative remedies are costing lives.