Cancer Is Not a Death Sentence — UCI’s Dr. Hickson Nyinzima

The Head of Lab,Research and Training at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, has reassured Ugandans that cancer is not automatic a death sentence, calling for early screening and timely treatment to improve survival.

In a press statement issued to mark World Cancer Day 2026, Dr. Nyinzima said many patients in Uganda are surviving cancer, despite the country’s growing cancer burden.

“Do people survive cancer in Uganda? The answer is yes — but we must do better,” he said.

World Cancer Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme “United by Unique,” which Dr. Nyinzima said underscores the need for patient-centred cancer care that recognises the individuality of every patient.

Uganda records an estimated 36,000 new cancer cases annually, with about 24,000 deaths each year. However, Dr. Nyinzima said these figures do not reflect the thousands of survivors treated at UCI.

He identified late-stage presentation as the biggest challenge to cancer survival. In 2025 alone, UCI received over 8,700 new patients, with more than 70 per cent presenting with advanced disease.

“For breast cancer, over 87 per cent of patients present late, and for cancers such as pancreatic and ovarian, almost all patients arrive in advanced stages,” he said.

Dr. Nyinzima attributed late presentation to low public awareness, limited access to specialised services, and delayed health-seeking behaviour.

He urged Ugandans to prioritise early screening and prompt medical care, stressing that early-stage cancers are often curable.

“When detected early and treated promptly, survival is possible,” he said, calling for united action to improve cancer outcomes in Uganda.