Cancer treatment costly for common man - envoy

Bushenyi- Uganda’s Ambassador to the European Union Franklin Katungwe has said cancer treatment in the country is too expensive for the common man to afford.
He said the treatment is currently done through operation, radiotherapy and taking tablets.

“Treating cancer here is still hard. Radiotherapy, which is the most efficient one, is done only in costly health facilities in the entire continent. The other options are cancer patients going for operation and tablets, which can also be accessed by only those who have money,” said Mr Katungwe.

He was speaking during Bushenyi District Annual Rotary Club cancer run at Children’s Peace Park in Bushenyi Town at the weekend.

Mr Katungwe also asked men above 40 years to go for prostate cancer screening.
“Testing is not difficult.

Life can be saved by early detection (of cancer) though treatment is still expensive for most Ugandans,” he said.

The Rotary Club of Bushenyi organised the cancer run in partnership with the Bushenyi District local government, schools and media.

Bushenyi District chairman Willis Bashaasha was the chief runner in the 16km-race that attracted more than 200 participants.

The club assistant governor, Sr Efrance Nuwamanya, said more Ugandans are becoming vulnerable to cancer and it’s high time the country waged a serious war on the disease.

She warned young girls against indulging in early sexual activities, saying it increases their risk of getting cervical cancer.

“Young girls know that the more men you sleep with, the more you are at risk of cervical cancer. Be careful with your sexual life,” said Sr Nuwamanya.

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