PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, 16th October 2025
Uganda Cancer Institute Commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month Under the Theme: “Early Detection Saves Lives”
Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has today joined the rest of the world to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives.” The commemoration, launched at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, highlights the urgent need to raise awareness, encourage screening, and promote early diagnosis to reduce the growing burden of breast cancer in Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, Dr. Jackson Orem, emphasized that breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Uganda, accounting for a large proportion of all female cancers treated at UCI.
“Each year, Uganda records more than 4,000 new cases of breast cancer, and tragically, many women still present with the disease at advanced stages. Yet, with early detection and timely treatment, up to 90% of breast cancers are curable,” Dr. Orem said.
He further called on the public to take advantage of available screening services and urged women to perform regular breast self-examinations and report any unusual breast changes to a health facility.
Understanding Breast Cancer in Uganda
Statistics:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Uganda.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2024), breast cancer accounts for over 23% of all new cancer cases among women in the country.
The disease continues to affect women at younger ages, with many cases reported among women between 30 and 50 years.
Late presentation remains a major challenge, with nearly 80% of patients diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poorer.
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of breast cancer is not known, several factors increase a woman’s risk, including:
Age – risk increases as a woman gets older.
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Hormonal factors – early onset of menstruation or late menopause.
Lifestyle factors – obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Reproductive factors – not breastfeeding, or having the first child after age 30.
Prevention and Early Detection
Prevention and early detection remain key strategies in reducing breast cancer deaths. UCI recommends the following:
1.Regular breast self-examination: Every woman should check her breasts monthly for any unusual lumps, pain, or discharge.
2.Clinical breast examination: Conducted by a trained health worker at least once a year.
3.Screening using mammography: Recommended for women aged 40 and above, or earlier for those at higher risk.
4.Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical exercise, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and maintain a healthy body weight.
Treatment Options
At the Uganda Cancer Institute, breast cancer is managed through a combination of advanced treatment approaches, including:
Surgery: To remove cancerous tissue or the entire breast where necessary.
Chemotherapy: To destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Radiotherapy: To target and kill localized cancer cells.
Hormonal and targeted therapies: For specific breast cancer subtypes.
UCI provides comprehensive, free or subsidized breast cancer treatment supported by the Government of Uganda and development partners. Efforts are also underway to decentralize cancer services through regional cancer centers in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, and Arua to bring care closer to communities.
Ongoing Awareness and Screening Activities
Throughout October, UCI and partners are conducting:
Free breast cancer screening at UCI and select regional hospitals.
Community sensitization campaigns on TV, radio, and social media.
Public education drives on breast self-examination and early warning signs.
Capacity building for health workers in screening and referral.

“Breast cancer is treatable and curable when caught early. We call upon all Ugandans to spread the message — early detection saves lives,” Dr. Orem concluded.
The Uganda Cancer Institute reiterates its commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans have access to quality, affordable, and timely cancer care.
About the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI):
The Uganda Cancer Institute is an autonomous public institution under the Ministry of Health, mandated to provide cancer care, research, and training. Established in 1967, UCI serves as Uganda’s national referral centre for oncology and a regional Centre of Excellence for Cancer Treatment, Research, and Training in Africa.