Oesophageal cancer is rapidly becoming one of the deadliest yet most overlooked health crises in sub-Saharan Africa. This growing threat was the focus of a recent high-level symposium hosted by the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), under the theme “Leveraging Science, Innovation and Technology to Address the Burden of Oesophageal Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.”
The event brought together regional and international stakeholders, including medical professionals, researchers, policymakers, and partners, in a united effort to address the escalating burden of this disease.
In Uganda, oesophageal cancer now ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, surpassed only by cervical cancer.
Similar patterns are emerging across the region, driven by a combination of lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, genetic vulnerabilities, and gaps within healthcare systems.
Dr Jackson Orem, executive director of UCI, opened the symposium with a stark warning that the disease presents a clear and present danger requiring urgent and sustained intervention.
His call was supported by Ambassador Robie Kakonge of the United States, who underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling global health inequalities.
Delayed response
Dr David Fleischer of the African Oesophagal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), presented data showing that as much as 20 to 50 percent of populations in some sub-Saharan regions may be at risk of developing the disease.
He highlighted the many challenges that worsen outcomes, including limited access to screening, low public awareness, late presentation of patients, and a severe lack of treatment facilities.
Dr Fleischer warned that the window for effective intervention is narrow, as most patients are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced, drastically reducing chances of survival.
Uganda’s commitment to confronting this crisis was reaffirmed by Dr Charles Olaro, the director general of health services at the Ministry of Health, who spoke on behalf of the health minister.
He outlined national efforts to strengthen cancer care, including expanded funding, development of infrastructure for cancer hospitals, integration of screening services into primary healthcare, and the promotion of evidence-based policymaking.
Uganda’s National Cancer Control Plan includes strategies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and post-treatment care.
Dr Olaro stressed that improved survival outcomes depend on timely interventions and a coordinated approach to care.
Despite these efforts, major obstacles remain. Patients often delay seeking care until symptoms such as difficulty swallowing become severe, by which time the disease is advanced.
Many health centres lack endoscopic equipment and trained personnel, leaving early detection out of reach for most communities. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy services are often centralised in capital cities, making access difficult for rural populations.
Cultural stigma and misinformation further contribute to delays, as cancer is often misunderstood or feared.
Path forward
The symposium emphasised the vital role of science and technology in improving outcomes. Innovations such as AI-assisted diagnostics, mobile screening units, telemedicine, and public health data systems were highlighted as potential game-changers.
Locally-led research was also encouraged to explore environmental, dietary, and genetic factors unique to the region.
Another recurring theme was the need for public awareness. Oesophageal cancer remains poorly understood among the general population. Many people ignore early signs, such as persistent indigestion or trouble swallowing.
Symposium participants called for wide-reaching public education campaigns to encourage early screening, informing communities about risk factors, and breaking down stigma.
Trusted institutions such as churches, schools, and local radio stations were identified as effective platforms for spreading these messages.
Experts called for a combination of improved early diagnosis, accessible and timely treatment, strong national policies, scientific research, community engagement, and regional collaboration.
While the challenge is immense, the symposium concluded on a hopeful note: with political will, innovation, and joint action, Sub-Saharan Africa can rise to meet this threat.
UCI’s gathering marked not just a conversation, but the beginning of a collective movement to turn awareness into action and build a future where oesophageal cancer is no longer a silent killer.
The writer is the executive director, Uganda Cancer Institute.
