The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has issued a critical national appeal, drawing urgent attention to the escalating burden of oesophageal cancer in the country.
The Institute is calling on the public, health professionals, and policymakers to immediately prioritise awareness, early detection, and timely treatment of this life-threatening disease.
Oesophageal cancer, which affects the food pipe connecting the mouth to the stomach, stands as Uganda’s fifth most common cancer case and, tragically, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Compounding this grim reality is the fact that diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages, a consequence of limited public awareness, significant delays in diagnosis, and persistent barriers to accessing specialised care.
Younger Victims and Preventable Risks
Over the past decade, the UCI has observed a troubling increase in the number of patients presenting with oesophageal cancer.
While traditionally affecting men more commonly than women and typically appearing in individuals aged 40 and above, there is a disturbing trend of increasing cases in younger individuals.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, underscored the severity of the situation.
“Oesophageal cancer remains one of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat cancers when not diagnosed early. The challenge we face is that most patients come when the disease is advanced and symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain are already severe,” Dr. Orem said.
Dr. Orem explained that risk factors for oesophageal cancer are largely preventable and include: Excessive alcohol consumption, Tobacco use (smoking, chewing), Frequent consumption of very hot beverages, Indoor air pollution (e.g., from traditional cooking methods), Unhealthy diets lacking sufficient fruits and vegetables, plus Underlying conditions such as acid reflux or Barrett’s oesophagus.
Early Detection Saves Lives
A critical message from the UCI is the immense importance of early detection.
Dr. Orem noted that initial symptoms often go unnoticed or are mistakenly attributed to common ailments like ulcers or throat infections.
“The UCI strongly urges individuals to seek prompt medical attention if they experience persistent swallowing difficulties, unexplained weight loss, or chronic chest or back pain,” Dr. Orem sounded the alarm.
When diagnosed early, he observed, oesophageal cancer can be treated effectively through a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy, offering patients a significantly better prognosis.
UCI’s National Call to Action
Dr. Orem revealed that the Uganda Cancer Institute is actively leading the charge to combat this growing crisis. Their proactive steps, according to Dr. Orem, include:
Strengthening Diagnostic Services
Through enhancing capabilities for endoscopy and biopsy, which are crucial for accurate and early detection.
Training Healthcare Providers
By empowering and equipping medical professionals to recognise and refer suspected cases promptly.
Expanding Awareness Campaigns
Through launching extensive outreach efforts across the country to educate the public on risk factors and symptoms.
Decentralising Services
Dr. Orem said this can be done through collaborating with regional hospitals to make cancer care more accessible.
Research and Development
Working with national and international partners to investigate causes and optimal treatment approaches specific to Uganda.
The UCI thus issued a strong Call to Action for all Ugandans to adopt preventive behaviours and prioritise early care-seeking through doing the following;
Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use, embrace a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, refrain from consuming extremely hot food or drinks, mitigate indoor air pollution by avoiding smoke-filled environments, ensuring well-ventilated kitchens, and adopting clean energy sources like LPG or electricity for cooking.
Dr. Orem also advised Ugandans to report persistent swallowing difficulties and related symptoms immediately to a medical professional.
Finally, he urged the media, community leaders, and health workers to amplify these awareness efforts and champion healthy lifestyles.
“Together we can reduce the burden of oesophageal cancer in Uganda and save lives through prevention, early detection, and timely access to treatment,” he stated.