By KT Reporter
Health stakeholders in West Nile have called on the public to prioritize regular cancer screenings and routine medical checkups to enable early detection and improve survival chances.
The appeal was made during the 14th edition of the annual Cancer Run, a nationwide Rotary initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds to combat cancer in Uganda.
Over 1,200 people participated in the event held at the OPM grounds in Arua City. Alphonse Ashaba, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the Cancer Run in Arua, emphasized the importance of early detection in the fight against the disease.
The Cancer Run is part of broader efforts to address Uganda’s rising cancer burden by improving access to diagnosis and treatment across the country. Arua Resident District Commissioner, Toko Shuaib, assured the public that cancer is treatable when detected early and urged routine screening as a health priority.
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. It remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Fred Ssemuyaba, General Sales Manager for Hariss International in Northern Uganda, echoed the call for collective action and regular screenings.
Health experts stress that cancer risks can be reduced through preventive measures such as avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
