Prime Minister Overwhelmed by the Increasing Numbers of Cancers Cases
Prime Minister Overwhelmed by the Increasing Numbers of Cancers Cases
KAMPALA
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has asked Uganda Cancer Institute Mulago to prioritize the prevention of cancer to reduce the high numbers at the institute.
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.
The World Health Organization estimates that between 30–50% of all cancers are avoidable by preventing or reducing exposure to cancer risk factors
Nabbanja had made an on spot check on the operations of the Uganda cancer institute after reports of growing numbers of cancer patients at the institute.
Nabbanja while interacting with Dr. Jackson Orem, the executive director of Mulago cancer institute and other top management officials wondered why the institute does not put emphasis on prevention of cancer rather than treatment.
Nabbanja says that the cancer problem is bigger than even some outbreaks like Ebola because it affects the performance of the citizens because they are most times in hospital for treatment.
Nabbanja commended health workers at Mulago cancer institute for their commitment to serve the nation despite the numerous challenges they go through.
She assured the public government will work with the cancer institute to ensure that drugs and other forms of treatment are available at the facility.
Therefore, based on the current cancer incidence, a majority of the top seven cancers in Uganda, that account for 70% of new cancer cases, can be prevented by modifying their risk factors.
Some of the risk factors include Older age, personal or family history of cancer, using tobacco, Obesity, Alcohol, some types of viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), Specific chemicals and Exposure to radiation, including ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
