ERIC Cancer Initiative Sparks Breast Cancer Awareness in Arua on World cancer day

The ERIC (Early Recognition Is Critical) Cancer Initiative marked World Cancer Day with a significant breast cancer awareness event in Pangisa Ward, Arua City. The event, aimed at educating and empowering the community on early detection, attracted a large audience, including cancer survivors, healthcare workers, and local leaders. Damalie Musasizi, a representative of ERIC Cancer Initiative, emphasized the organization's mission to save lives through early detection of breast cancer. 

“We work to save lives. That is our vision. We believe early detection is key to fighting breast cancer,” she stated.

Among the speakers was Sali Onzima, a retired midwife and 12-year breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at stage three in 2014, Sali shared her personal journey of struggle and survival. 

“I lost all my hair, my fingers started falling off, and my skin changed. People didn’t recognize me until they heard my voice,” she recounted.

Despite the odds, Sali’s survival highlights the importance of early detection and medical intervention. She urged the people of West Nile to take health checkups seriously. 

“We Lugbara tend to ignore hospital checkups. But let’s change that. A stomach ache or headache might be more than just that. Women, check your breasts and cervix; men, go for prostate screening. Let’s normalize hospital visits,” she implored.

ERIC Cancer Initiative chose Arua as its focus this year due to alarming statistics. According to a 2024 study, breast cancer cases in the region stand at 22%, second only to cervical cancer at 25%. Damalie highlighted the urgency of addressing this growing health concern. 

“Breast cancer is a lifestyle disease. It is rising and surpassing cervical cancer. Many women, especially career women, are at risk due to changing lifestyles,” she noted. 

While cervical cancer has received government intervention through HPV vaccinations, breast cancer remains under-addressed. ERIC is stepping in to bridge this gap by raising awareness, screening, and facilitating referrals.

ERIC employs the 40-20-40 model to gauge its impact: 40% awareness, 20% screening, and 40% follow-up. The initiative ensures that people receive not just education but also access to screening services. 

“We don’t just inform; we act. After screening, we guide patients through referrals, working closely with health centers and Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI),” Damalie explained.

To promote overall health, ERIC also advocates for proper nutrition and exercise. The event featured a fruit challenge and community dancing sessions, reinforcing the role of a healthy lifestyle in reducing cancer risk.

Despite its impactful work, ERIC faces several challenges, including high community expectations.

 “Many people expect financial support or free hospital treatments, but cancer treatment is a long journey that requires a multidisciplinary approach,” said Damalie. 

Limited resources and bureaucratic hurdles also make partnerships with hospitals and local authorities challenging. However, ERIC remains committed to expanding its reach across West Nile. The organization is building a local team in Arua to continue awareness and screening activities in collaboration with Village Health Teams (VHTs).

As ERIC Cancer Initiative continues its mission, the message remains clear: early recognition is critical. Sali Onzima, with her inspiring survival story, left the community with a powerful message: 

“Let’s fight what we can see. We may not see our liver or uterus, but we can see changes in our breasts. Let’s take action before it’s too late.”

The event ended with a renewed commitment from the people of Arua to prioritize health checkups and spread awareness in their communities. ERIC hopes that through such initiatives, breast cancer cases in West Nile will significantly reduce, giving more women a fighting chance at survival.

About ERIC Cancer Initiative

Founded by a family whose son, Eric, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at eight years old, the ERIC Cancer Initiative was established to advocate for early recognition of cancer symptoms. The organization works closely with health institutions and local communities to create awareness, provide screening, and facilitate referrals for cancer patients.

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.