The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has warned that prostate cancer cases are rising sharply across the country, with Mbarara registering the highest burden.
New figures shared by the institute show that the western region, where Mbarara is located, accounts for 18% of all reported prostate cancer cases, the highest proportion nationally. This is followed by northern Uganda at 13% and Kampala at 11%.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Dr Fred Okuku, a consultant oncologist at UCI, said the trend is worrying and is largely driven by men’s reluctance to seek early screening.
“Every year, November is set aside for free cancer screening. We strongly call upon men to use this opportunity and visit government health facilities for check-ups. Cancer is still a major burden among men because many seek medical attention when it is already late, making treatment more expensive and less effective,” he said.
Dr Okuku noted that Mulago Hospital alone is currently managing about 1,000 prostate cancer patients.
“This is worrying,” he said.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in Uganda, alongside Kaposi’s sarcoma and liver cancer. Health experts say late diagnosis remains a major challenge, with many men presenting at advanced stages when the disease has already spread.
Dr Okuku said that although the government has invested in improving cancer services, including expanding radiotherapy capacity and decentralising oncology units, public awareness remains limited.
“Cancer does not segregate whether you are rich, poor, educated or not,” he said.
He urged men aged between 40 and 60, the group most at risk, to prioritise regular screening.
Health experts also advised men to adopt preventive measures such as limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding excessive smoking, keeping a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
