Cancer Burden in Uganda

The National Cancer Registry Program of Uganda operates nationwide, collecting vital cancer data from hospitals, health facilities, and medical centers across all regions in Uganda to inform cancer control interventions in Uganda and beyond.  According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 2024), in the central part of Uganda between 2013-2017, the three common cancers in males are Prostate, Oesophagus and Kaposi Sarcoma. However, in the northern part of the country, it is cancers of the Prostate, Liver and Lymphomas. In females the three commonest cancers in Central Uganda are Cervix, Breast and Oesophagus cancers, whereas in the north are cancers of the Cervix, Breast and Lymphomas. It is clearly evident that cancer profiles in Uganda varies by geographical region but it is important to note that cancer of the cervix in females, prostate in males and oesophageal cancers in both sexes are prevalent across all regions of Uganda. It is imperative that estimates of cancer incidence for Uganda be done from merged regional cancer data from the four main regions of the country to accurately determine cancer incidence in Uganda. Efforts needs to be scaled up especially towards the control of these common cancers in the entire country to prevent them and reduce on their burden to improve the overall well-being of all Ugandans.