Hamuza Dankness, who works with the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation at the Budaka branch, has expressed concern over the increasing number of cancer patients in remote areas of the district.
While presenting the analysis from three years research work to a team of cancer doctors led by Dr Sam Mbulaiteye and other officials based in United States of America, Hamuza noted that many people in this remote eastern Ugandan district are unknowingly living with different forms of cancer.
Of the 500 patients studied 70 people, mostly women, were found to have chronic cancer of the breast, cervix and skin among other forms, adding that hundreds of people presented different signs and symptoms but have never gone for a medical check up.
He reported that most patients die without knowing what has killed them and most of them tag the deaths to witchcraft adding that unless there is a massive sensitization of the local communities many people will continue to die.
Hamuza also highlighted that the situation in the area is becoming more complicated day by day and identifying cancer patients is very difficult since most of them live in what is termed as hard to reach remote areas with very poor roads, no health centers and in communities where these patients are stigmatized.
He expressed concern that with increasing cases of cancer in the remotest parts of the country the government is likely to loose a big section of the agricultural labour force.
Hamuza said the government of Uganda has neglected cancer by not providing enough funds, medical personnel and equipping the cancer institute in Mulago national referral hospital with the necessary drugs, bedding and equipment. He appealed to all well wishers to extend a helping hand.
Reacting to Hamuza’s comments, Dr Nbykautete noted cancer is one of the leading killer diseases worldwide adding that cancer is a curable disease if detected early and that people should be encouraged to go for medical check ups. Dr Nbykautete promised to connect the Foundation to other cancer institutions in the United States.