Early cancer detection saves lives: Mulago Hospital offers free nationwide screening

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OPINION

By Vivian Nakaweesa

In recent years, Ugandan newspapers have highlighted inspiring stories of cancer survivors, underscoring the life-saving potential of early detection. A cervical cancer survivor featured in Nile Post (January 15, 2025) credited timely screening for her recovery.

Similarly, The Daily Monitor (March 2025) showcased a breast cancer patient who, after diagnosis at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s pathology laboratory, was successfully treated at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Now she mentors others on the value of early testing. These real-life accounts demonstrate that overcoming cancer in Uganda is achievable with early intervention.

Mulago National Referral Hospital (NRH) is the leading provider of free cancer screening services to all Ugandans. This initiative not only saves lives but also dismantles barriers to healthcare access, instilling renewed hope across the nation.

Through its pathology department, Mulago provides comprehensive services, including Pap smears (sampling cells from the cervix to detect cancer), HPV testing (identifying the virus linked to cervical cancer), and biopsy analyses (examining small body tissue samples) for cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, skin, and colon.

Cutting-edge techniques like Liquid-Based Cytology (analysing cells in body fluids for cancer detection), Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) (extracting cells from swellings using a fine needle), and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) (using special proteins to confirm cancer diagnoses) enable early detection and accurate diagnosis, significantly boosting survival rates when cancer is identified at its initial stages.

In Kampala, medical consultations can be made at Mulago National Referral Hospital through the Medical Outpatient Department (MOPD) or Surgical Outpatient Department (SOPD). Sample collection will be done there, and samples will be transported to the Pathology laboratory for testing. Results will be released within 3 to 5 working days after sample collection.

Those living out of Kampala can visit their nearest district hospital or regional referral hospital for medical consultation and sample collection. These facilities will then transport the samples to Mulago National Referral Hospital’s Pathology laboratory for expert analysis. This free transportation is done through Uganda’s National Sample Transport System. The results will be uploaded to the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and returned to the originating facility, ensuring timely care even in remote areas. 

Upon detection of cancer, patients are referred to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) at Mulago for specialised treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and counselling. As the country’s premier cancer treatment Centre, UCI plays a vital role in patient management.

This fully funded screening program, a government-led effort supported by key health partners, reflects Uganda’s commitment to reducing cancer mortality and enhancing healthcare equity. The message is unequivocal: Do not wait for symptoms. Early detection often leads to a cure. Seize this opportunity by visiting your nearest regional referral hospital or district hospital today. Your action could save a life, perhaps your own or that of a loved one, securing a healthier future for yourself and your community.

The writer is a Laboratory Leadership fellow, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program