According to statistics, over 7,000 new cancer cases are registered annually among children in Uganda but 90% of these have no specific cause. “As a whole, but the screening that is talked about is in adults so you can screen for breast cancer, you can screen for cervical cancer and things like but really we are not able to screen for cancer in children. And the reason for that is that most cancers in children do not have a known cause.” Said, Dr. Joyce Kambugu – Pediatric Oncologist, UCI.

According to Dr. Joyce Kambugu a Pediatric Oncologist, this has not only limited survival rates of children with cancer but left many stunted. “It is very curable up to 80% of children who have cancer are curable. But this is in the developed world or the high-income countries, in the low-income countries where much of Sub Saharan Africa falls, the cure rates are as low as 10% in some places and so there is a lot of effort now in all fora to try and level that difference.” Kambugu said although the institute is equipped to diagnose cancers early, the late reporting remains a hindrance. The Uganda Cancer Institute now boasts of curing an 8-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Leukemia 5 years ago. “Doctors you have proved my enemies wrong, a lot was said about me when my son was diagnosed with Leukemia.” Said, Nakagumu Mary – Parent.

Dr. Jackson Orem the Executive Director Uganda Cancer Institute said 12% of these cancers can be treated and currently they are carrying out research on the causes so as to come up with effective treatment strategies. “Uganda is diagnosed in a timely manner, there is a good referral system that doesn’t delay them, there is little destruction you can see for Kabanda if they had taken a route of going to the traditional healer where would Kabanda be?” Said, Dr. Jackson Orem – ED Uganda Cancer Institute. Uganda will join the rest of the world to mark the International Childhood Cancer Day aimed at creating awareness about cancer in children which have become a health burden across the globe.