Head and Neck Surgical Camp underway in Gulu City
Last week, the Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Institute engaged in testing their installed machines to discover their effectiveness, and at least five procedures were conducted.
By Christopher Nyeko
Gulu: A team of highly skilled surgeons, medical professionals, and support staff from the Uganda Cancer Institute, together with other cancer specialists from the USA, have pitched a one-week cancer camp at the Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Centre in Gulu city to provide expert care and support to all cancer patients suffering from neck and head cancer.
Dr. Jeff Otiti, head of the surgical division at the Uganda Cancer Institute, says they will perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including tumor excisions, reconstructive surgeries, and post-operative care, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ quality of life.
Otiti explains that the health camp is aimed at combating head and neck cancers in the region, providing life-saving surgical interventions to those in need, and extending cancer treatment and care services closer to the population.
He noted that head and neck cancers are a growing concern affecting a substantial number of individuals in Northern Uganda. During the camp, the surgeon will conduct a mixture of both complex and mild surgery on the cancer patient.
The medic attributed most cancer cases in northern Uganda to the effects of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption; however, he reveals that the majority of patients present late to the hospital when they have developed complications.
Dr. Ivan Latim, in charge of the Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Institute, disclosed that they have registered 13 cancer patients suffering from neck and head cancer for the operation.
He explains that these patients were referred to the center from St. Mary Hospital Lacor, Gulu regional referral hospital; others came from as far as Mbarara district; and meanwhile, others are lost patients from Mulago.
‘’On the lost patients, these are cancer patients who were at first enrolled for cancer services at Mulago but have failed to go back to Mulago for further therapy, but due to the high cost of transport and the expansive cost of living in Kampala, they have resorted to seeking service here.’’
Last week, the Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Institute engaged in testing their installed machines to discover their effectiveness, and at least five procedures were conducted.
Since June 23, 2023, when the center was partly open for OPD, at least 126 patients have been served; 62 were newly diagnosed, while others were those who were in care in Kampala.
The information revealed by Dr. Latim indicates that cervical cancer cases are in the lead, followed by breast and prostate.
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