The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has established the Division of Oncology Palliative Care and Cancer Survivorship, marking a significant step in expanding holistic care for cancer patients and survivors. This initiative aims to integrate palliative care and survivorship services into the broader cancer care pathway, responding to the growing global and local burden of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer accounted for 9.8 million deaths worldwide in 2024, with 20.6 million new cases diagnosed that year. In Uganda, the institute reports 36,000 annual cancer diagnoses, with over 75% of patients presenting at advanced stages, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive care strategies.
The new division emphasizes palliative care as a critical component of cancer management, focusing on improving quality of life for patients and their families. The WHO defines palliative care as an approach that prevents and relieves suffering, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. For advanced cancer patients, this care can alleviate symptoms for over 90% of individuals, yet global access remains limited, with only 14% of the 56.8 million people requiring it receiving adequate support. UCI currently sees 10,000 new patients annually, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Palliative care is not confined to end-of-life scenarios but can begin at diagnosis, continuing alongside treatment, through advanced disease, and into bereavement support. UCI has already assembled a palliative care team of specialist nurses and three doctors, with the new division providing a structured framework to expand these services. The survivorship component addresses the long-term needs of cancer survivors, including monitoring, rehabilitation, and psychological support, as more patients live beyond treatment. This shift reflects a broader understanding that cancer care extends beyond medical intervention into sustained, patient-centered support.
Financial toxicity, the economic strain caused by cancer treatment, remains a critical issue for Ugandan families. Patients and caregivers often face treatment costs and lost income, exacerbating the emotional and social burdens of the disease. The division’s focus on family support and economic resilience aims to mitigate these challenges, ensuring care is accessible and sustainable. UCI’s director, Dr. Jane Okello, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the institute’s mission to prioritize dignity, comfort, and long-term wellbeing alongside medical treatment.
The establishment of the division signals a paradigm shift in Uganda’s approach to cancer care, moving from a narrow focus on treatment to a more inclusive model that addresses the full spectrum of patient needs. This aligns with global efforts to improve palliative care access, as highlighted by the WHO’s 2024 data. UCI’s efforts also reflect the broader health system’s response to a rising cancer burden, where the question of care extends beyond curing the disease to ensuring patients and families are not left to navigate its consequences alone.
Public health experts have welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to reduce disparities in cancer care. Dr. Michael Omondi, a senior oncologist at UCI, stated, “This division underscores the importance of integrating palliative and survivorship care into standard practice, ensuring that patients receive support throughout their journey.” The move also aligns with Uganda’s national health strategies, which increasingly prioritize patient-centered care and equitable access to services.
As Uganda grapples with the rising incidence of cancer, the new division at UCI represents a critical step toward a more compassionate and comprehensive healthcare model. By addressing the physical, emotional, and financial dimensions of cancer, the institute aims to transform the experience of patients and families, ensuring that care extends beyond treatment into a broader commitment to wellbeing and resilience.
Uganda Cancer Institute Launches New Division to Enhance Palliative Care and Survivorship Support