Men Increasingly Embracing Prostate Cancer Screenings in Busoga

Health workers in the Busoga Sub-Region have observed a notable increase in the number of men coming forward for prostate cancer screening. This trend suggests a significant change in how men perceive and approach a disease often shrouded in stigma and lacking widespread awareness.

This improved uptake is largely attributed to the integration of prostate cancer screening into existing prevention and early detection initiatives. Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja (RHHJ), a palliative care provider, has seen enthusiastic responses from men eager to be screened and learn more about the disease. “Since then, men have responded enthusiastically, coming forward in large numbers for screening and gathering as much information as they need,” stated Ms. Sylvia Nakami, executive director of RHHJ.

As part of its upcoming 9th annual Nile Cancer Run on October 24 in Jinja City, RHHJ is setting an ambitious target of screening 5,000 men for prostate cancer. The event, formerly focused solely on women’s cancers, has broadened its scope. “We remain committed to cervical and breast cancer, but are broadening our campaign to include prostate cancer and bring men more actively into our fight against cancer,” Ms. Nakami explained.

Prostate cancer was identified as the leading cancer among Ugandan men in 2024. Experts like Dr. Alfred Jatho from the Uganda Cancer Institute attribute the rise in screenings to enhanced community awareness, effective radio campaigns, the use of less invasive screening technologies, and strong support from community leaders. The expansion of services into rural areas and the incorporation of psychological and palliative care have also played crucial roles.

Dr. Jatho emphasized the importance of region-specific cancer interventions. While prostate cancer leads nationally for men, and cervical and breast cancer for women, specific regions like Busoga show unique patterns, including higher incidences of eye cancer, which necessitate tailored public health strategies. The Nile Cancer Run aims to address these diverse needs, screening 10,000 women for cervical and breast cancer and providing HPV vaccinations to 45,000 girls.

This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.