In observance of World Cancer Day, the E.R.I.C(Early Recognition Is Critical) Cancer Initiative organized a comprehensive breast cancer screening event in Pangisa Ward, Arua City.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection among women in the community.
The screening attracted numerous women from Pangisa Ward and surrounding areas, underscoring the community's commitment to proactive health measures.
E.R.I.C Cancer Initiative's team provided free clinical breast examinations, educated attendees on self-examination techniques, and disseminated information on recognizing early signs of breast cancer.
Madam Damalie Musasizi, a representative of the E.R.I.C Cancer Initiative, emphasized the organization’s commitment to saving lives through early breast cancer detection. She explained that breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Ugandan women, with rising cases in Arua and the northern region. She highlighted the importance of awareness, lifestyle changes, and regular screenings, especially among women aged 20-45, who are at higher risk.
Musasizi noted that breast cancer is unique because it presents visible symptoms, such as lumps or swelling, which can be detected early through self-examinations. She further explained ERIC’s 40-20-40 impact model, which prioritizes 40% awareness, 20% screening, and 40% follow-up to ensure continuous support for those at risk.
Despite the challenges of limited resources and high community expectations, the organization remains committed to its mission by partnering with local health centers and the Ministry of Health. Musasizi also addressed why the organization focuses on breast cancer, citing its increasing prevalence and the need for proactive measures. She urged the public to embrace routine checkups and early detection as key strategies in the fight against cancer.
The organization emphasized the critical importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of various cancers in Uganda's regions.
In the mid-northern region, which includes areas adjacent to West Nile, cervical cancer accounts for approximately 45% of cancer cases in females, followed by breast cancer at 10.8%.
While specific data for the West Nile region is limited, these statistics suggest a significant burden of breast cancer, emphasizing the need for targeted awareness and screening programs.
The E.R.I.C Cancer Initiative is dedicated to reducing the breast cancer burden among Ugandan women and girls of reproductive age.
Their mission focuses on educating the population about early recognition of the disease and encouraging positive health-seeking behaviors.
Through community outreach, mobile screening services, and educational campaigns, ECI strives to ensure that more women have access to life-saving information and services.
World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, aims to raise global awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the day serves as a platform to mobilize action and support for initiatives that address the global cancer burden.
The successful event in Arua's Pangisa Ward reflects the E.R.I.C Cancer Initiative's ongoing commitment to combating breast cancer through community engagement and education.
By bringing essential services directly to underserved areas, E.R.I.C is making significant strides in the fight against cancer in Uganda.
Surviving Cancer: My Testimony of Hope and Awareness in West Nile By Sali Onzima
Cancer is often seen as a death sentence, especially in many parts of Uganda, where myths and misinformation prevent people from seeking early diagnosis and treatment. But I am here to tell you that survival is possible with awareness and timely medical intervention.
My name is Sali Onzima. I am a retired midwife, but not by choice. In 2014, I was diagnosed with cancer. My world changed in an instant. I became like a child, needing care and support from others. I lost all my hair, my fingers started falling off one by one, and my skin turned so dark that people couldn’t recognize me except when they heard my voice.
Despite being diagnosed at stage 3, I have now survived cancer for 12 years. My family once thought I would not make it, that every new day would be my last, but by God’s grace, I am still here. My journey has been tough, but I am living proof that cancer does not always mean the end. I have seen firsthand how many people in West Nile believe cancer cannot be treated. We have been lazy when it comes to medical checkups. This is why we continue to lose our loved ones. Many of us do not take simple signs like stomachaches or persistent headaches seriously. We only seek medical help when it is too late. Early detection is crucial. Dear women, let’s go for breast and cervical cancer screenings. And to the men, prostate cancer is real—let’s all take our health seriously.
Today, I had the privilege of attending an outreach program by the E.R.I.C. Cancer Initiative. This organization is working tirelessly to spread awareness and encourage early cancer detection in Uganda. We have learned a lot from them today. Some people have been diagnosed and are now being guided on treatment plans. One of the biggest challenges in cancer awareness is misinformation. Many women do not understand the changes happening in their bodies. A lump in the breast is often misunderstood. But thanks to E.R.I.C., young girls and women are now being equipped with life-saving knowledge.
I urge the government, health organizations, and local leaders to expand cancer awareness programs across Uganda, especially in rural communities. This initiative must continue. Many people in our villages have not yet received this information. We need to reach far and wide.
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