Cancer patients urge govt to lower screening costs

Cancer patients are calling on the government to make cancer screening more affordable, citing financial barriers that delay early detection and treatment.

Many, like Joseph Kawanguzi, have postponed testing due to high costs, leading to late diagnoses and reduced chances of survival.

“I developed a problem of frequent urination, a sign of prostate cancer, but I couldn't afford the test,” Kawanguzi said. “It took a free medical camp for me to finally get screened and discover my condition.”

Kawanguzi, like many others, had to wait a year before undergoing a prostate cancer test, which costs Shs310,000 (about$80).

His case highlights the growing concern among cancer patients and advocates pushing for government subsidies on screening.

Dorothy Ndimukulaga, a resident of Walukuba in Jinja City, also benefited from the free medical camp organized by Afri Egypt.

She tested negative for cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses, bringing her relief.

“I was worried about my health, but this free testing has given me peace of mind,” Ndimukulaga said on Tuesday. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of such opportunities to know their health status.”

The former Buikwe Woman MP, Dorothy Christine Mpiima, who also serves as the publicity secretary of the Buikwe Women Council, underscored the importance of free screening, especially in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerated Action.”

Afri Egypt Public Relations Officer Krusum Isa said the organization holds a week-long free medical camp every March as part of Women’s Day celebrations.

“Since we started in 2022, we have seen an increase in women seeking screening, especially those between 35 and 50 years old,” Isa said.

However, she noted that while the camp offers free tests, those diagnosed with illnesses must seek treatment independently.

Cancer advocates argue that more government intervention is needed to reduce testing costs and expand access to life-saving screenings.