UCI Boss Orem calls for early care and healthy lifestyles to minimize throat-based Oesophageal Cancer.

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) wishes to draw national attention to the growing burden of oesophageal cancer in Uganda and urges the public, health professionals, and policymakers to prioritize awareness on the risk factors, early detection, and timely treatment of this life-threatening disease.

According to experts, Oesophageal cancer, which affects the food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach, is the fifth and the second cause of cancer cases and deaths in Uganda, respectively. Unfortunately, it often presents at advanced stages due to limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and barriers to accessing specialized care.

This was revealed during a briefing to the journalist on Friday, 11^th July 2025, at the Uganda Media Center.  

Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of Uganda Cancer Institute, noted:
"Oesophageal cancer remains one of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat cancers when not diagnosed early. The challenge we face is that most patients come when the disease is advanced and symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain are already severe."

Recently Dr. Orem called for urgent public attention to lifestyle-related risk factors, particularly the consumption of scalding-hot beverages, which he described as a “completely avoidable” cause of cancer.

“Let your tea cool before drinking it,” Dr. Orem urged. Consuming beverages above 65 degrees Celsius repeatedly damages the lining of the oesophagus and significantly increases cancer risk. This is a small change with a big impact” he said

The Uganda Cancer Institute is taking proactive steps in a campaign to reduce esophageal cancer risk and improve the diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal cancer. These include:

• Strengthening diagnostic services such as endoscopy and biopsy
• Training healthcare providers to recognize and refer suspected cases early
• Expanding outreach and cancer awareness campaigns across the country
• Collaborating with regional hospitals to decentralize cancer services

UCI is also working with national and international partners to conduct research into the causes and best treatment approaches for oesophageal cancer in Uganda.

UCI experts have called upon all Ugandans to Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, Avoid tobacco use (smoking, chewing, etc.), Eat a variety of healthy foods, including an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, Avoid consuming extremely hot food or drinks, Avoid smoke-filled environments, cook food in a well-ventilated kitchen, and adopt the use of clean energy like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or electricity for cooking, and report persistent swallowing difficulties and related symptoms early.

“Early symptoms and signs of oesophageal cancer often go unnoticed or are misattributed to other common conditions like ulcers or throat infections. UCI urges individuals to seek medical attention if they experience persistent swallowing difficulties, unexplained weight loss, or chronic chest or back pain. When diagnosed early, oesophageal cancer can be treated effectively through surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these,” a statement partly reads.

Over the past decade, UCI has observed an increase in the number of patients presenting with oesophageal cancer. Men are more commonly affected than women, and the disease typically occurs in people aged 40 years and above. However, we are increasingly seeing cases in younger individuals. Major risk factors include alcohol drinking, tobacco use, frequent consumption of very hot beverages, indoor air pollution, unhealthy diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, and underlying conditions such as acid reflux or Barrett’s oesophagus.