SEPTEMBER
2013
Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization In Partnership With
Uganda Cancer Institute And Uganda Cycling Association Organized A
Cancer Camp And Bicycle Race At Mityana District. Sponsored by
Oncology for Africa and Petit Vel and support from Bollore Africa
Logistics Uganda Ltd.
Sponsored by;
Contents
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 4
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 5
Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 7
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................. 9
The key points that were communicated during the Camp were:-........................................................10
The main tools used for the event were:- ..............................................................................................10
PREPARATIONS OF THE EVENT. ..................................................................................................................10
RADIO Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Production of IEC Materials ....................................................................................................................10
Press Conference .................................................................................................................................... 11
Community Activation. ...........................................................................................................................11
ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMP............................................................................................................................11
Cancer screening..................................................................................................................................... 11
HIV counseling and testing .....................................................................................................................12
Diabetes and Hypertension ....................................................................................................................13
Tree Planting ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Blood Donation. ...................................................................................................................................... 14
1.1.
Demonstration and illustration of early detection of breast and cervical cancers ....................14
Bicycle Riding .......................................................................................................................................... 14
1.2.
Cancer Awareness through Music, Dance and Drama (MDD .....................................................16
REMARKS.....................................................................................................................................................16
Remark from Ministry of Health (MoH).................................................................................................. 16
Remarks from Dr. Tiiti Andrian ...............................................................................................................17
UWOCASO CHAIRPERSON’ S REMARKS .................................................................................................. 17
2
GUEST OF HONOR................................................................................................................................... 17
OUTCOME ...................................................................................................................................................18
CHALLENGES ...............................................................................................................................................18
Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 19
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................19
Recommendation.................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................................19
3
ABBREVIATIONS
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
BSE
Breast Self Examination
CBOs
Community Based Organizations
HIV
Human Immune-Virus
IEC
Information Educational and Communication
MDD
Music Dance and Drama
MoH
Ministry of Health
NCDs
Non-Communicable Diseases
NGOs
Non Governmental Organizations
RHU
Reproductive Health Uganda
UBB
Uganda Blood Bank
UCA
Uganda Cycling Association
UCI
Uganda Cancer Institute
UICC
Union for International Cancer Control
UNCDA
Uganda Non-Communicable Disease Alliance
UWOCASO
Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization
VCT
Voluntary Counseling and Testing
VHTs
Village Health Teams
4
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mityana screening camp would not have been successful without the participation and support of
various stakeholders as indicated below. Each of these organizations contributed in different ways which
enriched the outcome of the event.
First and foremost, UWOCASO is grateful to Mityana District Administration for accepting to host the
event and giving all the necessary support. More important is the demonstration to continue this
support by planting trees and pledging to care for them.
Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization extends deep appreciation to Oncology for Africa and
Petit Velo for the financial support which covered a big percentage of the expenses. In addition,
Oncology for Africa spiced the camp by its members from Italy, participating in the bicycle race, video
coverage and medical assessment of the same cancer patients. Similarly Bollore Africa Logistics Uganda
LTD for the support towards the event and also the staff members’ presence at the camp on 22 nd Sept.
further demonstrated the company’s commitment to the cancer cause.
Appreciation further extended to Uganda Cycling Association for the technical input into the event
which was given right from conception of the event, preparations, participation in the bicycle race and
awarding the trophies
UWOCASO’s gratitude is extended to the following stakeholders for the technical support in form of
medical services rendered during the three days of the camp. UCI for screening breast, cervical cancer
and other cancers, UNCDA for screening hypertension and diabetes, Uganda Blood Bank-administering
blood donation procedure, Mityana District Hospital for equipments and medical staff screening
HIV/AIDS, RHU Mityana branch for cervical cancer screening and Mityana District VHTs for mobilizing
the community, Mboona and Sun FM Radios for the subsidized radio talks and announcements, Wavah
water, Centenary Bank Mityana Branch, Pepsi-cola for in-kind support in form of bottled water and a
tent.
Special appreciation goes to the Ministry of Health (MoH) for the continued support and
encouragement to UWOCASO when organizing such public events. Ministry officials’ presence at these
functions has enhanced UWOCASO’s visibility and consequently energized members and other
stakeholders to render support when called upon.
Additional special thanks go to the Buganda Kingdom For honoring the occasion by sending the
Katikiro’s representative Ow’ek. Joseph Kawuki, Minister of State for Local Government Buganda
Kingdom to be the Guest of Honor at the closing of the camp activities on Sunday 22 nd
September 2014. Given the historical role of Buganda Kingdom in mobilizing communities to
support development initiatives, the presence and words of wisdom from the Guest of Honor
were a booster in getting the community to positively receive the health messages
communicated during and after the event.
5
Last but not least, appreciation is extended to UWOCASO survivors for their committed
participation in the whole process of organizing and undertaking pre-screening educational
sessions. Their survivorship status has always been valuable peer support tool and a
demonstration of the importance of early cancer detection and treatment.
6
1.0. Executive Summary
Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization (UWOCASO), the lead organization in partnership with
Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and Uganda Cycling Association (UCA) organized its 2nd cancer camp and
Bicycle Race with a theme; “ Dispelling the myths and Misconceptions about cancer in Mityana District.
This event was also supported by key stakeholders like; Uganda Non-communicable Disease Alliance,
Uganda Blood Bank( UBB), Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), Mityana Hospital who provided their
services to the people. UWOCASO joined the rest of the world in September 2013 to usher in October
International Breast Cancer awareness month.
The Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization (UWOCASO) started celebrating October,
the International Breast Cancer Month since its existence with special focus on women
suffering from breast and cervical cancers and their families. The aim of these celebrations is to
increase awareness about the importance of early screening, regular breast self examination
and reporting early to a health provider in case of detecting a lump. There other objective is to
work with medical teams and other stakeholders to offer free education, screening for breast
and cervical cancers and promoting healthy literacy in rural communities.
This year 2013, the event brought together key stakeholders from Ministry of Health, Buganda
Government, CSOs, CBOs, media, health professionals, Village Health Teams (VHTs), students,
religious leaders, local and cultural leaders, and the general public to create awareness about
early diagnosis and treatment as key to cancer prevention. The activities of the 3 days included
among others; on site HIV counseling and testing, Cancer screening, blood donation, Diabetes
screening, Hypertension detection, First Aid support, music dance and drama, Exhibitions by
the stakeholders in health, and Bicycle Race competition which crowned the camp.
The key objectives of the event were:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To address stigma, dispel damaging myths and misconception about cancers in general but
breast and cervical cancers in particular
To increase awareness about the importance of physical exercise in cancer and NCDS
prevention.
To strengthen partnership with stakeholders in cancer control and healthy literacy.
Work with a medical team from Uganda Cancer Institute and other stakeholders to offer free
cancer, Diabetes, hypertension screening, HIV testing and blood donation.
Re-enforce commitments set out from the UN Summit on (Non-Communicable Diseases) NCDs
at the High Level Meeting in New York in September 2011.
Raise funds for cancer awareness programs in Uganda
The event was preceded by a press Conference on 12th September 2013, to inform the public
about the rising trend of cancer both locally and globally. The press release highlighted Uganda
as one of the countries in the world with the fastest population growth rate and consequently increasing
7
cancer incidences. Citing statistics from Uganda Cancer Institute Mulago, it was reported that the
number of cancer patients who are seen at the Institute per year has risen from 12,500 in 2004 to
34,000 patients in 2013 majority of these reports with advanced and terminal diseases. In Uganda
Breast and cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women. Since 1961 breast cancer
incidence has increased from 11/100,000 to 36/100,000 in 2009. The 5year survival rate is 54% and 18%
breast and cervical cancers respectively.
The event started on the first day of the camp 20th September 2013, setting up venue and
activities started 10:00am, with cancer education and screening by UWOCASO, UCI and RHU.
Mityana Hospital staffs were available to give first aid services. UNCDA joined the camp on the
second day 21st September to provide Diabetes and Hypertension services and also Mityana
Hospital staff volunteered to give HIV counseling and testing which attracted many people
especially the youth. The team managed to test 200 people for the two days. Uganda Blood
Bank also joined the event on the last day 22nd September and they managed to get 34 Units of
blood.
The memorial tree planting exercise took place in the District Administration compound to
underscore the linkage between environment protection and cancer prevention and the
significant relationship between the various stakeholders. The following organizations
representations planted the trees: - Oncology for Africa, UWOCASO, UCI, Mityana District
Administration and the representative of the Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom.
This camp was crowned by the Bicycle Race competition with the technical support from UCA.
This event was graced by Officials from MoH, Buganda Government, Mityana District. A
representative from MoH, Dr. Gerald Mutungi started by donating blood, inspecting the various
service providers’ stalls and exhibitors and then addressed the gathering. In his speech he
covered 3 key issues in the fight against cancer; having a healthy diet, the role of early
detection and engagement in physical exercise. He further advised the public to avoid alcohol
intake and tobacco use which are the risk factors for cancers. “Cancer being on increase, the
MoH will continue supporting these camps in all districts in the country”, Dr. Mutungi said.
The guest of honor of this event was The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom Ow’ek. Charles Peter
Mayiga, who was represented by Ow’ek. Joseph Kawuki, Minister of State for Local
Government Buganda Kingdom. It was an exciting moment of Kampala Cycling Club after their
rider James Mubiru becoming the overall winner and walked out with UWOCASO Trophy 2013.
This happened after finishing the 120Kms as was mapped out by the technical people.
8
2.0. INTRODUCTION
Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization (UWOCASO) the lead organization in
partnership with Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and Uganda Cycling Association (UCA) organized
its 2nd cancer camp and Bicycle Race with a theme; “ Dispelling the myths and Misconceptions
about cancer.” This event was held in Mityana District and was also supported by key
stakeholders like; Uganda Non-communicable Disease Alliance, Uganda Blood Bank( UBB),
Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), Mityana Hospital who provided their services to the
people. This event was funded by Oncology for Africa, Petit Velo and support from Bollore
Africa Logistics (U) Ltd.
The main aim of the cancer camp and Bicycle race was to increase awareness about the
importance of screening, Breast Self Examination, the importance of Early Detection of breast and other
cancer and underscoring physical exercise as one of the factors that can reduce the risk of getting
cancer. It was also aimed at working with medical teams and other stakeholders to offer free education
and screening for breast and cervical cancers, diabetes and hypertension and Healthy Literacy in rural
communities and also bring together key stakeholders from Ministry of Health, Buganda
Government, CSOs, academia, CBOs, media, health professionals, Village Health Teams (VHTs),
students, religious leaders, local and cultural leaders, and the general public to dialogue and
develop linkages to promote cancer services in Uganda. The activities of the 3days included
among others; on site HIV counseling and testing, Cancer screening, blood donation, Diabetes
screening, Hypertension detection, First Aid support, music, dance and drama, Exhibitions by
the stakeholders in health programs and Bicycle Race competition which crowned the camp.
The specific objectives for the Mityana Camp were to enable UWOCASO to :A)
Extend cancer prevention activities to Mityana District and the neighborhoods
B)
Strengthen partnership with stakeholders in cancer control and healthy literacy
C)
Establish working partnerships with Mityana District Health Teams such as RHU and
Local Government authority.
The specific objectives of the event were;
To address stigma, dispel damaging myths and misconception about cancers in general but
breast and cervical cancers in particular
2. To increase awareness about the importance of physical exercise in cancer and NCDS
prevention.
3. Work with stakeholders’ medical team to offer free cancer, Diabetes, hypertension screening,
HIV testing and blood donation.
1.
9
4. Re-enforce commitments set out from the UN Summit on (Non-Communicable Diseases) NCDs
at the High Level Meeting in New York in September 2011.
5. Demonstrate UWOCASO capacity to organize by getting sponsors of the event to participate.
The key points that were communicated during the Camp were:



Cancer is not just a healthy issue but it has wide-reaching social, economic, development and
human rights implications.
Cancer does not discriminate, but it’s a global epidemic which is affecting all ages, with low
levels and mid-income countries bearing disproportionate burden.
Some types of cancer that were once considered deadly/ death sentence can now be treated
effectively.
With the right strategies, one out of three cancer victims can be prevented.
The main tools used for the event were:








Radio
Social Media
Press Conference
Community activation
Music Dance and Drummer
Printed Information Educational and Communication materials in both English and Luganda
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Materials
Survivors’ testimonies to the mobilized communities
Bicycle riding
3.0. PREPARATIONS OF THE EVENT.
Prior to the event a number of activities took place as indicated below;
3.1. RADIO Programs
UWOCASO came up with media plan that zeroed down to two Radio stations that would get the
message to the target population. These were Mboona FM and Sun Fm Radio, the local radios of
Mityana district. The talk shows generated positive feedback from the listeners who called for
clarification and this contributed to mobilizing the communities to come for screening of Cancer, HIV
testing, Diabetes, Hypertension screening and blood donation as well as participating in the bicycle
race.
3.2. Production of IEC Materials
UWOCASO produced IEC materials which include; Brochures, Posters, Banners, gym bags, T.shirts.
These
materials
were
all
designed
10
with educational messages which were in line with the theme.
3.3. Press Conference
UWOCASO held a press conference on 12th September 2013, to
usher in October Breast Cancer Month with a cancer camp and
bicycle race in Mityana District September 2th-22nd 2013. This
was held at UWOCASO Office Ntinda Stretcher Kampala. This
was aimed at informing the public about the increasing
incidences of cancer in Uganda which was a driving force for
UWOCASO and partners to increase awareness in rural
communities through organizing such events.
3.4. Community Activation.
In spite of being new in the area of Mityana, tangible progress was observed in the project
implementation. UWOCASO was able to mobilize the whole district of Mityana through Radio adverts,
posters and Banners. This Mobilization aimed at informing community members of Mityana District
about the event which was aimed at giving free breast and cervical cancer, VCT, Diabetes and
Hypertension check-up as well as encouraging them to seek early diagnosis / screening.
4.0. ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMP
During the event, many activities were implemented as indicated below;
4.1. Cancer screening
The Uganda Cancer Institute and Reproductive Health Uganda carried out free screening for
cancer of the cervix and breast, while UWOCASO was giving education. This was a great
opportunity to the community because the services were brought nearer to the rural people
and a number of people turned up for cancer education and screening as indicated below;
Considerations and total number of physically examined clients for different cancers
Screening and Assessment for different cancers:
Cancer of the breast –
Examined
Risk factors for pregnant women and new mothers such as those with less than
two months old babies were not considered for cervical and those breast feeding
and weaning at less than 2 months.
Cancer of the cervix –
154
Risk factors for cervical cancer were considered for menstruating, pregnant and
just delivered mothers and non sexually active clients and those not
psychologically ready to undertake the screening.
72
11
Cancer of the prostate –
Risk factors considered for the screening of the prostate were age of 45years and
above, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, nocturia and heavy night sweating.
9
Cancer in children –
Risk factors for cancer in infants and children and none superficial organs were
screened with consideration of the presented complaint like a swelling
Other cancers –
Other cancers depended on localised symptoms including Vision/hearing/dental
screenings or assessments were listed for referral to respective clinics with the
exception of those persistent symptoms listed for physical examination and other
investigation.
4
3
Yusufu S. Health Educator UCICCCP MITYANA OUTREACH REPORT FOR
20TH-22ND SEPT 2013 ACTIVITY Email:ucicccp@gmail.com/
4.2. HIV counseling and testing
Mityana Hospital staff and UWOCASO Volunteers
carried out HIV testing and counseling which attracted
the population both Youth and elderly, while
UWOCASO had interactive question and answer
session with more emphasis on health services
accessibility points. Below are the results of HIV
testing:HIV testing and counseling results; total number tested was 200 clients for 2days
Sex
Non Reactive tests
Reactive Tests
Female
83
5
Males
111
1
Total
194
6
Percentage
97
3
12
4.3. Diabetes and Hypertension
Uganda Non-communicable Disease Alliance
undertook the Diabetes and Hypertension testing
when they joined the cancer camp on 21st
September. This is also attracted many people
regardless of sex and age. 300 people were
screened for Hypertension and 277people were
screened for Diabetes and some were referred for
further check-ups. The results are in the table
below;
Hypertension and Diabetes table results
Disease
Normal (No. of
People)
High (No. of people
Low (No. of Total No. of
people)
people
screened
Hypertension
230
65
5
300
Diabates
212
31
34
277
4.4. Tree Planting
The memorial tree planting exercise to mark the event took place in the Mityana District
administration compound. The following representatives planted a tree. During the tree
planting activity the District was represented by the Deputy
Mayor, Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)-Doctor George
Holoya,
Andrian
TittiOncology
for
Africa,
SpeciosaKabwegyere-UWOCASO. In their remarks the Town
Clerk and the District Forest Officer pledged to take care of
the trees as memories of the event glow. This activity also
continued on 22nd September on the final day of the camp,
Guest of Honor from Buganda Kingdom planting a tree.
Whereby the representative for the Guest of Honor; Ow’ek. Joseph Kawuki, Minister of State
for local government Buganda Kingdom.
13
4.5. Blood Donation.
Uganda Red Cross Society joined the camp on 22 nd September at 11am to provide blood
donation service to the participants. A representative from Ministry of Health Dr. Gerald
Mutungi, Programmer Office No-communicable Diseases (NCDs) opened up the donation by
donating 1unit of blood;
“donate blood and save
people’s lives”. During this
exercise,
the
team
managed to get 34 units of
blood.
Participants donating, on right Dr. Mutungi Gerald MoH
4.6.
Demonstration and illustration of early detection of breast and
cervical cancers.
During the camp, UWOCASO
survivors geared the Demonstration
and illustration of early detection of
breast and cervical cancers by
demonstrating
Breast
Self
Examination (BSE) and using a
dummy
for
cervical
cancer.
Demonstrations were backed up by
cancer education and IEC materials
which were distributed to the general
audience at the venue and elsewhere.
UWOCASO survivors giving cancer education to high school students
4.7. Bicycle Riding
With technical support from UCA, UWOCASO also
organized bicycle ride to crown the cancer camp as a
form of creating awareness to Mityana communities.
Bicycle ride was identified mainly as cancer
prevention awareness raising activity because as
riders move around the communities they attract the
population to join the cancer awareness campaign, in the process messages are passed on. This
activity was identified in harmony with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
14
theme 2013 which is “dispelling the myths and misconception about cancer. The following are
some of the myths “Cancer is Death sentence, Cancer is just a health issue, cancer is a disease of
the wealthy, elderly and developed countries, and Cancer is my fate”.
In addition, participant in the bicycle race were 50 riders from different cycling clubs. Bicycle
race was categorized in 5 (five) groups as below:
Categories
kms
Routes
Winners
Clubs
Sports Bike
120
Mityana SsazaWabigalo- Tunda-Zigoti
Naama- MyanziKakungube-Kalamba and
Back to Wabigalo
Buswabulongo
1.Mubiru James
Kampala Cycling
2. Kibirige Cosma
Kampala Cycling
3. Katumba Gerald
Trans-Africa
Mbarara
Ordinary
Bike
60
Mityana Ssaza1.Ssekabira John
Wabigalo- Zigoti- Tanda2. Ssabagwanya
Butebi back to Mityana
Samuel
Ssaza
Kayenta Club
Super Academy
Agromapei
3. Kasozi Juma
Under 17
Years
Women
Juniors
36
36
6
Mityana SsazaWabigalo- Tanda-ZigotiMityana Naama-Mityana
Buswabulongo
1.Ntale Mark
Super Academy
2.Kalumba Henry
Kampala Cycling
3. Thabika Alex
Bwero Cycling
Mityana SsazaWabigalo- Tanda-ZigotiMityana Naama-Mityana
Buswabulongo
1.Ayebare Marion
Kampala Cycling
2. Nakintu Peninah
Super Academy
3. Mpoza Sheila
Kampala Cycling
Association
Mityana SsazaWabigaloBuswabulongo
1.John Rodney Mulo Kayanta Club
2. Arnold
Shimaro Club
3. John Rodney
Ddamulira
Kiranya Club
15
James Mubiru from Kampala Cycling Club
won the battle of bicycle race after riding the
distance of 120kms in 3hours and 10minutes. It
was a time of joy, happiness and celebration for
the Club after announced as winners and
receiving a UWOCASO Trophy as an award for
the overall winner.
Overall winner James Mubiru receiving a trophy from a Guest of Honor.
4.8.
Cancer Awareness through Music, Dance and Drama (MDD)
On 22nd September 2013, was a day of learning through entertainment. This was done to bring
out the theme of the year 2013, and make people
understand more about cancer through MDD.
This attracted many people to come at the venue
and watch the amazing entertainers. It wasn’t
only watching but also learning. Given that
Ugandans have a poor reading culture using
MDD to deliver cancer messages to the
population of Mityana was an appropriate
approach
5.0. REMARKS
Remark from Ministry of Health (MoH)
The MoH was represented by Dr. Gerald Mutungi; Programme Officer; Non Communicable
Diseases (NCD). Dr. Mutungi conveyed to the
audience and appreciated the organizers for the
great work in the fight against cancer in Uganda.
He was the first blood donor on 22nd September
2013. He appealed to people for blood donation
to save people’s lives.
His communication
covered 3 key issues in the fight against cancer
which included; the importance of eating a
healthy diet to avoid build-up of toxins and other
harmful substances in the body which can
heighten the risk of cancer. Secondly, he pointed
out fruits, vegetables and other natural foods as
the best and safety foods which are thankfully
available in Uganda, so people should get use of
them. He also highlighted the importance of early detection if there is to be hope for survival of
cancer. Finally, he also added his voice to the call for increased exercise towards healthy living.
16
He pointed out that, exercise doesn’t only mean visits to gym but even domestic work like
digging. He also advised against the intake of excess alcohol and Tobacco use.
Dr. Mutungi informed the audience that, the MoH will continue to support organizations
engaged in conducting health camps, and it plans to extend such support all over the country.
5.1. Remarks from the President of Oncology for Africa Titti
Andrian
The cancer camp was also graced by participation of team of
5 delegates from Oncology for Africa, Italy. Dr. Titti
Andrian the president represented the team to share key
issues to the audience. In her communication, she informed
the audience that cancer cases are more in Italy than Uganda
but the survival rate in Italy is much higher than as it is in
Uganda. This is due to the widespread information
dissemination which ensures that the people know how to
check themselves for breast cancer and effectively seek
medical assistance at a very early stage of the disease. Titti
with her team encouraged such drives and camps to ensure that lifesaving information trickles
down to all Ugandans.
In conclusion, she acknowledged the organizers of the cancer camp and partners for the good
initiative they have rendered to the communities. Also appreciated the Mityana Community for
welcoming this opportunity of extending health services nearer to the people.
5.2. UWOCASO CHAIRPERSON’ S REMARKS
UWOCASO Chairperson Mrs. Speciosa Kabwegyere
welcomed the audience and thanked them for turning up in
good numbers. She encouraged the audience to always use
these free opportunities which are brought nearer to them. She
pointed out that early detection is the key to cancer prevention.
She further informed the audience that this fact is
demonstrated by UWOCASO members, some of whom were
present, who have lived for a number of years after breast
cancer.
5.3. GUEST OF HONOR
The event was honored by The Katikkiro of Buganda
Kingdom, Owe’k. Charles Peter Mayiga, who was
represented by Ow’ek. Joseph Kawuki, Minister of
State Local Government, Buganda Kingdom. In his
speech, he acknowledge the organizers for choosing
Mityana for such services which were not only on
17
cancer but cutting across other diseases like HIV/AIDS, Hypertension, Diabetes and Blood
Donation. This showed a great impact of UWOCASO’s effort in saving people’s lives. He
appealed to the Organizers and the MoH to continue with this effort. He pointed out that, the
Buganda Government also supports such campaigns like Maama Nabagereka’s Campaign and
the Katikkiro’s emphasis on Health. He urged the audience to take disease prevention seriously
because it keeps them health and is less expensive than treatment.
After his speech he handed over gifts to the winners of different categories of bicycle race and
congratulated them. He was so grateful to all the participants who were part of the bicycle race
and appealed to them to continue supporting the cancer cause by increasing awareness about the
disease.
6.0. OUTCOME
Over 500 people received cancer information
72 women were screened for cervical cancer
167 Women were screened for breast cancer
300 people were screened for both diabetes and Hypertension
200 people received HIV counseling and testing
34 units of blood were donated.
7.0. CHALLENGES
Ignorance about cancer
This was observed both in the educated and uneducated ones because even some professionals
don’t have enough information about the risk factors of cancer, signs and symptoms. They have
negative perceptions, myths and misconceptions about the disease.
Fear
Many people in Uganda fear to know their health status, which is also a result of ignorance. We
found it hard to convince people to go for cancer screening. Majority of them were stopping at
the education and information desk. This was due to fear of knowing their cancer status. For
example; a lady mentioned that,” I rather die than knowing that I have cancer”. Some came to
check for other diseases like, HIV, Diabetes and Hypertension but not Cancer. This is mainly
because people still have the negative perceptions about the disease i.e. cancer is a death
sentence, it is caused by witchcraft and cannot be cured.
Cancer services in the Country
Most times after the screening, there are always suspicious cases which are referred for further
investigations. Unfortunately when they reach the referred health center, they are not always
helped. The main reasons for this situation are the grossly inadequate cancer diagnosis and
treatment services. Such inadequacies result in long queues, absence of diagnosis facilities and
sometimes treatment drugs. This results in delayed treatment and death.
18
Privacy
Many women we managed to interact with informed us that they cannot go for cervical cancer
screening because they don’t want to be seen by doctors especially the male ones. They feel they
will lose their dignity and respect after being seen naked by the doctors.
8.0. Conclusion and Recommendations
8.1. Conclusion
From the activities we implemented at Mityana District, it was observed that, majority of the
population don’t have knowledge about cancer. There are still a lot of misbelieves, myths and
misconception about the disease. Many of them showed interest in learning about it and were
delighted with cancer camps. Even the professionals, like media people, have limited knowledge
about the cancer related issues.
8.2. Recommendation
1. There is a need to train health workers about cancers in general but breast self
examination and cervical screening so that they are able check and educate their
communities about cancer.
2. More effort is needed in cancer awareness by emphasizing the importance of early
diagnosis and treatment to the general population. They need the basic information about
the disease in order to dispel the damaging myths and misconceptions about the disease.
Cancer camps activations should be spread to the whole country because many people
don’t know about the disease.
3. There is a need to produce culturally acceptable IEC materials about damaging myths and
misconception about cancer.
4. Survivors’ based groups should be supported to raise awareness. Their peer support can
effectively contribute to dispelling myths and misconceptions about cancer.
5. The Government of Uganda needs to improve on the cancer services in the country. This
is because many people after being screened and referred to hospitals, majority of the
health centers in the country have no cancer services.
Appendix
Common Questions asked
During the cancer camp, the following questions kept on recurring and this helped us in knowing
the level of understanding people had on cancer issues.
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What causes breast and cervical cancer?
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When they are checking for breast do they cut flesh? If not how do they do it?
Do also men get breast cancer? If yes, how do they know and where does it affect
because they don’t have breasts?
How do you know that you have cervical cancer?
How do you check yourself for cervical cancer?
Does cancer get cured
Is it true that when a man sucks a woman’s breast, she can get breast cancer?
If a breast feeding mother gets cancer, doesn’t affect the child too?
Can you get cancer when you engage in oral sex?
Does HPV affect men? If yes how?
How does breast cancer treated? Do they remove off the breast?
Can you have children after breast and cervical cancer?
Can one remain sexually normal after cancer treatment?
Can one get cancer when you nurse a cancer patient?
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