Health experts urge Teso to embrace routine cancer screening
“Early detection is very important because when cancer is identified early, we have more treatment options and the chances of managing the disease are much better,” said Epodoi.
Participants ran and walked distances of 10km and 5km as part of the campaign. (Photos by Juliet Akello)
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Concern over the increasing number of cancer patients reporting to health facilities when the disease is already at an advanced stage has prompted calls for residents in Teso to embrace regular screening and seek medical attention as soon as they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
The growing number of cancer patients presenting with advanced disease in Teso has renewed calls for regular screening and early medical attention.
The warning was made on August 30, 2026, during the 2026 Rotary Cancer Run at Soroti Sports Grounds, where hundreds of residents turned up to raise awareness and support efforts to improve cancer treatment in Uganda.
The campaign, held under the theme “Ggwanga Mujje”, brought together people from different walks of life, including health workers, the business community, security personnel, the media and members of the public.
Participants ran and walked distances of 10km and 5km as part of the campaign.
Dr Joseph Epodoi, a senior consultant surgeon and urologist at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, said late presentation remains one of the major challenges in the fight against cancer.
“One of the biggest challenges we are facing is that many patients come to hospital when the cancer is already advanced,” Epodoi said.
Participants in a group photo at Soroti sports ground after cancer run
“People should not wait until the symptoms become severe. If you notice any unusual change in your body, you should seek medical attention early,” he said.
Epodoi said early detection gives patients a better chance of receiving appropriate treatment and improving their chances of survival.
“Early detection is very important because when cancer is identified early, we have more treatment options and the chances of managing the disease are much better,” he said.
He particularly encouraged women to go for breast cancer screening and screening for gynaecological cancers, while urging men to be vigilant about prostate cancer.
“Women should make screening for breast and gynaecological cancers part of their routine health care, while men should also take prostate cancer seriously and seek medical checks when necessary,” Epodoi said.
He said the community has a critical role to play in reducing the burden of cancer by taking screening and early treatment seriously.
The Rotary Cancer Run is also aimed at raising funds to support the construction of radiation bunkers and installation of advanced Linear Accelerator machines at St Francis Hospital Nsambya.
The machines are expected to strengthen Uganda's capacity to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients.
Each participation kit for this year's run cost sh30,000.
Dr Simon Peter Okello of Needs Wellness Centre, one of the organisers, urged people not to ignore changes in their bodies.
He said early action could make a significant difference in the fight against the disease.
“Early action can make a very big difference. Cancer is difficult to manage when it is already advanced, so we encourage people to come forward early,” he said.
Lawrence Olupot, a member of Rotary Club Central, called on residents to support initiatives aimed at creating awareness and mobilising resources for cancer treatment.
“This is not just about running. It is about creating awareness and mobilising resources so that more Ugandans can access the cancer treatment they need,” Olupot said.
Betty Angiro, the senior probation officer for Katakwi district local government and proprietor of Arch Foods, urged families to take the health of both adults and children seriously.
“We need to take the health of our families seriously. Cancer can affect both adults and children, and we should not ignore symptoms that may be worrying,” Angiro said.
She encouraged residents to seek medical attention whenever they notice worrying symptoms.
“Whenever you notice something unusual, do not wait. Go to a health facility and get checked,” she said.
The run attracted participants from New Vision, Etop Radio Soroti Bureau, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Centenary Bank, Krystal Natural Mineral Water, Rotary clubs, Arch Foods, Uganda Police and other organisations.
For many participants, the event was more than a run. It was a call for the community to confront cancer through awareness, early detection and access to treatment.
As the campaign continues, health workers say the message is simple: do not wait for cancer to become advanced before seeking help.