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In an effort to detect and manage breast cancer, shillings 1.5 billion has been allocated to train health workers and village health teams (VHTs) to identify breast cancer patients in communities.

The revelation comes after the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) partnered with international civil society organisations (CSOs) to ensure effective community intervention. The funding is coming from SANOFI and the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).

The training is expected to enable community healthcare workers and VHTs to recognise the signs of breast cancer. Additionally, it will be used to train doctors and oncologists at designated health facilities where patients can receive treatment.

The identified healthcare centres are regional referral hospitals in Arua and Mbarara since they already have cancer units in place.

THET Uganda country director Sheeba Gitta stated that the project began in January 2024 with the aim of involving community healthcare workers and VHTs in the screening and treatment of breast cancer patients.

In this partnership, UCI is expected to provide the treatment centres and trained health workers to assist in the management of the disease.

“We want to build an awareness programme to encourage the general public to examine their breasts, and if they detect any lumps, they can get screened at the nearest health facility,” Gitta said.

She added that not everyone currently undergoes breast cancer screening, emphasizing that through this project, THET will train healthcare workers at health centres and district hospitals on how to screen and test for cancer.

‘Evolving nature of technology’

UCI executive Director Dr Jackson Orem said training healthcare providers is essential due to the evolving nature of technology.

Orem further mentioned that under the National Cancer Control Plan, UCI is advocating for the establishment of Health Centre IIIs where early detection and treatment, especially for suspected cancer cases, can be carried out.

Orem also pointed out that before blaming healthcare workers for any shortcomings, it is important to recognize the issue of late presentation to health facilities, which often stems from a lack of awareness at the community level.

Why breast cancer

In Sub-Saharan Africa, cervical cancer is the commonest, but in Uganda, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

"We are concerned about breast cancer because if it is identified in its early stages, it is easier to manage, and the patient is more likely to survive," said Gitta.

Breast cancer ranks second in Uganda because most cases that are reported to health facilities are already in advanced stages. Additionally, Uganda's cancer services are limited, with only a few cancer specialists available at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).

In developed countries, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer patients is around 90%, while in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is only about 40%.

Gitta also highlighted the risk factors, stating that there are many chemicals being consumed today, which may contribute to the rising cases of cancer. Another issue is that people are often presenting at health facilities late, when the cancer is already advanced.

Furthermore, lifestyle choices, such as breast enlargement or reduction surgeries, may also play a role in the increasing incidence of breast cancer.