By Muhereza Isaiah
A leading oncologist from the Uganda Cancer Institute has expressed concern over the rapid increase of cancer in the country.
Dr. Okuku Fred revealed that in last three years the number of new patients visiting the institute shot up from 1,200 to 2,800, a situation he described as alarming.
While addressing the third annual Uganda Health Journalism convention in Kampala last week, Dr. Okuku said more than 60% of people seeking medical help for cancer present with advanced stages of the disease.
The doctor attributed the rapid of the disease to smoking but said factors such as toxins and sedimentary lifestyles also play their part. He added that a significant number of cancer-related deaths are occurring in young people.
He encouraged the public to go and have early cancer screening and also challenged the government to increase the number of cancer experts in hospitals.
Dr. Okuku warned of the likelihood that deaths from breast cancer will increase because the government has focused its attentions on treating cervical cancer.
However, the medical oncologist revealed that the Uganda Cancer Institute has a plan to set up cancer treatment centers in Mbarara, Arua, Mbale and Gulu hospitals.
Meanwhile, malaria has continued claiming the lives of infants and pregnant mothers in Uganda, despite the efforts being made by the government to fight against the disease.
Dr. Kasirye Ibrahim of the Economic Policy Research Centre said at least 12.3 million cases of malaria were registered across Uganda in 2010, and it is the disease that causes the most deaths in the country.
Dr. Ibrahim revealed that 25 to 40% of out-patient visits and 25% of in-patients admissions are due to malaria. Of those admitted to public and private hospitals, 9 to 14% of adults and 20 to 40% of infants die from the disease.
Member of Parliament for Vuura County Dr. Sam Okuonzi advised parents to focus on education and good nutrition as a way to reduce the chances of their children dying.
However, the MP decried the amount of funds “being swindled by the corrupt officials.”