Health 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Cancer Institute Employs Low-Dose Aspirin to Combat Specific Cancer Recurrences
The Uganda Cancer Institute uses low-dose aspirin in select cases, mainly for digestive system cancers, to prevent tumour spread and recurrence in survivors. Experts stress strict medical supervision due to risks like bleeding if self-administered. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-why-cancer-institute-is-using-aspirin-in-cancer-care-5440736
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) incorporates low-dose aspirin for certain cancer patients to curb tumour recurrence and metastasis, particularly in digestive tract malignancies.
Dr Alfred Jatho, head of community cancer services at UCI, notes that this approach targets survivors of colorectal, stomach, and intestinal cancers. Taken over 5-10 years, it supports chemoprevention by slowing growth and spread.
This differs from over-the-counter aspirin; UCI uses specialised formulations under close monitoring, reserved for high-risk groups aged 50-70 with factors like family history, obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.
UCI Executive Director Dr Jackson Orem confirms its role in oesophageal, stomach, and intestinal cancers by reducing clotting, inflammation, and enhancing immune response against shielded cancer cells.
Both doctors warn against self-medication, highlighting dangers such as internal bleeding and ulcers. Benefits are weighed against risks in supervised settings only.
This aligns with global research, including UK studies on aspirin’s immune-boosting effects. Uganda sees 34,000-36,000 new cases yearly, with high mortality and low treatment access.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)