The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) today launched the September Gold, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during which officials from the institute delivered a transformative message about cancer awareness among children in the country.
Led by Dr. Joyce Balagadde Kambugu, the Head of Paediatric Oncology, the institution set out to challenge a deeply ingrained cultural perception that a childhood cancer diagnosis is a death sentence.
While celebrating the theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, the core message for Uganda this year is one of radical hope: “Keeping Hope Alive.”
Progress and a Pervasive Challenge
The data presented by Dr. Kambugu painted a picture of both remarkable achievement and a formidable challenge.
She revealed that annually, approximately 3,278 Ugandan children and adolescents develop cancer. Yet, a staggering 7 out of every 10 children are missed, with only 36% reaching care at the Uganda Cancer Institute or its regional centres in Gulu and Mbarara.
This alarming statistic, according to Dr. Kambugu, highlights a critical gap in early detection and referral pathways that must be addressed.
She noted, however, that for the children who do reach care, the outcome is often one of survival.
Dr. Kambugu presented compelling five-year survival rates from the UCI itself:
68% for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
55% for Burkitt’s lymphoma
44% for Wilms tumour
These figures, she stressed, are a powerful counter-narrative to the widespread belief that childhood cancer is incurable in Uganda.
“Childhood cancer survival is real in Uganda,” Dr. Kambugu stated, “but survival must mean living.”
Redefining Survivorship
The briefing by the UCI went beyond statistics to expose a cultural reality where survivors are doubly disadvantaged.
First, they live through a journey of despair and stigma, and after being cured, they are often left behind by their peers, particularly in their education. This year, Dr. Kambugu revealed, the UCI is shining a spotlight on what it means to be a survivor by focusing on three key pillars:
Education Continuity
The UCI is advocating for school reintegration support and even exam centres at the institute. The message is clear: “No child should lose a year of school simply because they are in treatment.”
Fertility Preservation
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Anthony Kayiira at the UCI revealed that while several young survivors want to build a family, many are left infertile by their treatment, with a staggering 79% receiving no fertility information before treatment.
He revealed that the UCI is now working to link young patients to existing services at Mulago Women’s Specialised Hospital to ensure that survival includes the hope of building a family.
Equity in Survival
The call to action is also a call for equity. The UCI stressed that survivorship must not be for a privileged few. Children living with HIV, refugees, and children with albinism must also have the chance to live and thrive.
A National Commitment
The UCI’s message is a strong call for collective action. Dr. Kambugu revealed that throughout September, a series of activities will reinforce this message of hope. These include:
The Red Carpet Survivors Celebration on September 24th, where cured children will be celebrated as living proof of survival.
An Open Day at the UCI on September 16th to invite the public to see care in action.
A Gold Ribbon Campaign to foster solidarity across the nation.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Kambugu articulated a powerful summary of the national commitment required, saying, “For the children who are out of treatment, let us manage their survivorship with dignity, including education and fertility support.”
While Uganda has the structures in place to lead this work, the call is for intentional action. This September Gold, the nation is being asked to ensure that every Ugandan child with cancer not only survives but truly lives.