The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has warned that delays in seeking medical attention for breast cancer are making treatment more difficult, urging Ugandans to embrace regular breast examinations and seek prompt medical assessment when they notice unusual changes.

The warning comes amid a growing breast cancer burden in Uganda, where the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates indicate that 2,999 new cases and 1,560 deaths from breast cancer were recorded in that year.

The Uganda National Institute of Public Health has also reported that Uganda records more than 4,000 new breast cancer cases annually, underscoring the need for early detection and timely treatment.

Dr James Kafeero, Assistant Head of the Department of Community Cancer Services at UCI, said many patients seek medical care when the disease has advanced, making treatment more difficult and potentially limiting available options.

He cautioned against waiting for pain before seeking medical attention, noting that breast cancer may not cause pain in its early stages.

Dr Kafeero urged both women and men to regularly examine their breasts for unusual lumps, changes in the skin or nipples, and abnormal nipple discharge. He advised anyone who notices such changes to seek prompt assessment by a qualified health professional.

According to Dr Kafeero, early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment and may allow some patients to undergo breast-conserving surgery, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

He also called on the public to overcome fear and misconceptions surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment, warning against self-medication and encouraging people to seek professional medical advice whenever they notice suspicious symptoms.

Dr Kafeero emphasised that early medical assessment is important in identifying breast cancer and determining appropriate treatment, urging the public not to ignore unusual breast changes even when they are painless.