A new study has revealed that over 60% of women undergoing cervical cancer treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) suffer from extreme wasting, a severe complication known as cancer cachexia.
Releasing preliminary findings on Friday, Dr. Innocent Atuhe, a co-investigator, noted that the study—launched in 2023—focused on women with advanced cervical cancer receiving chemotherapy. The data shows that patients aged 50 and above are the most affected, experiencing loss of appetite, muscle loss, and significant weight reduction.
In addition to malnutrition, the study found that 45% of patients endure severe pain, despite treatment efforts aiming to provide pain-free care.
Dr. Martin Oringa, head of the Gynecological Oncology Unit at UCI, said these findings highlight the urgent need for nutritional support, as malnourished patients struggle to respond to treatment. He emphasized that the institute diagnoses up to five new cervical cancer cases daily, reinforcing the need for routine nutritional assessments for all patients.
Dr. Henry Ddungu, a cancer and pain specialist, warned that misconceptions about diet are worsening the situation. Many patients falsely believe that sugar accelerates cancer progression, leading them to unintentionally starve themselves.
He urged cancer patients to seek nutritional guidance from medical professionals rather than relying on community myths. Early screening, vaccination, and timely treatment, he stressed, remain the most effective ways to eliminate cervical cancer.
The study, which is ongoing, is being conducted in collaboration with King Caesar University.