There are many health challenges associated with Cancer in Uganda and in Luweero Triangle in particular and yet health planners have given it little attention compared to other ill states.
Addressing Cancer challenges in Luweero District
During a school visit at St. Kizito Bukolwa RC Primary School, members of UCRF wanted to establish if at all there is clear knowledge among teachers and pupils concerning breast and cervical cancers and whether at all there are any nearby services for screening of breast and cervical cancers in the nearby health units around. But to our knowledge, the pupils, including the community is not aware; the implication of this is lack of awareness. Unfortunately if at all the surrounding health centers have some cancer services, they are minimal.
The number of participants addressed ranged to 100 people but only one person expressed clear knowledge and understanding of cancer.
During our interactions, one lady had a conversation with the cancer intelligence officer and informed her of how she has a pain which she suspects that it could be cancer but little had it crossed her mind to go for cancer investigation. After the meeting, she promised to go for the test. Another lady also had a lump in the breast and she promised to go for cancer investigation.
A participant also has a relative who has cervical cancer but by the time of the awareness she hadtravelled to look for herbs to treat the disease from the local herbalists.
Many people did not know that if cancer is discovered early enough it can be treated.
Like any other isolated community most people in Katikamu think cancer is a disease for the rich and it is far from them.
The most challenging part is that our people in the community lack sensitization and it not because people are careless with their lives.
Some of the photos taken during an interaction with pupils at St. Kizito Bukolwa RC Primary School