Copyright kawowo
Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization (UWOCASO) honors millions of lives affected by breast cancer and re-affirms its commitment to advocate for equitable access to care and improved survival for all. It is upon this background that they organized a successful breast cancer dance work out at the Lugogo Hockey grounds in Kampala; under the theme “Move for Her”. Hundreds of people took part in this Dance work out; including Milton Chebet, the Assistant secretary general for National Council of Sports (NCS). “Recognising the diversity of experiences and re-enforcing the need for compassionate, dignified, timely and quality care for all those battling breast cancer regardless of their social and economic backgrounds. We embrace the international theme of the Breast Cancer Awareness month: “Every story is unique and every journey matters”,” said Gertrude Nakigudde, Chief Executive Officer, UWOCASO. Breast cancer accounts for 8.3% of all cancers in Uganda, ranking 2nd in women and commonest among young women aged between 35-45 years at the peak of career development, young families and maximally contributing to national development (Globalcan2022). In 2022, Uganda recorded 2999 new cases and 1560 deaths. Despite the growing efforts to improve awareness and early detection of breast cancer in Uganda, over 75% of patients present with late disease (stage III or IV) with a 5-year survival rate of 56% compared to 90% 5-year survival in the United States of America. “Each year, Uganda records more than 4,000 new cases of breast cancer, and tragically, many women still present with the disease at advanced stages. Yet, with early detection and timely treatment, up to 90% of breast cancers are curable,” revealed Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) during UCI’s launch of the commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness month recently, at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala. Collaboration of different stakeholders has been acknowledged as key to reduce breast cancer deaths by both WHO through the establishment of Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), and UN 2025 political declaration on September 25, recommending the integration of breast cancer into National plans as a new target to UN political declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for 2030. UWOCASO currently receives an average for 10 patients daily seeking for support for either /or counselling services, food, accommodation, transport to return home, school fees for their children and money to pay for investigations. The event aims at increasing awareness about breast cancer and fundraising for a patient support program and construction of a rehabilitation and skilling center (Home of Hope) in Mende, Wakiso district. Among the activities at the Dance Workout event included free breast cancer screenings, awareness talks hosted by experts, survivor testimonies, yoga and exciting dance workout sessions. According to Nakigudde, a Breast Cancer survivor for 24 years, the center will address a critical gap in the cancer care pathway in Uganda. “Patients from rural areas often struggle to find safe, affordable housing near the Uganda Cancer Institute, leading to treatment disruptions and added stress. The new facility will provide a haven for these women, ensuring continuity of care and a supportive community environment,” she said. Beyond lodging, the home will be the hub for UWOCASO’s existing programs, which include breast health education, skilling, counseling and advocacy. UWOCASO collaborated with various partners including the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Cancer society, thx22, Alice Nakato Events Consultancy, CBS FM, Her Story256, Mama FM and SGA Security, among others. About UWOCASO UWOCASO was started by breast cancer survivors in 2004. Currently it is a network of female cancer survivors working to increase awareness among the general population about cancers affecting women and girls. Survivors give voluntary time, skills and resources to empower patients and the general population through community outreaches to create awareness, counseling and referrals for patients and their families. UWOCASO is a member of Uganda Cancer Society (UCS) which is an umbrella organization for all cancers civil societies in Uganda, UCS is a member of Uganda Non-Communicable Alliance (UNCDA)which is an Umbrella of Uganda Diabetic Association, Uganda Heart Alliance and Uganda Cancer Society.
