A recent study by the Makerere University Lung Institute has revealed a concerning trend: lung cancer is now more prevalent among women than men in Uganda. This shift marks a significant change from previous patterns where lung cancer was predominantly more common in men due to higher tobacco smoking rates.
Study Overview
Lead researcher Irene Najjingo presented the findings of a collaborative study between Uganda and Tanzania, aimed at assessing the burden of lung cancer in both countries. The study, conducted over the past five years, examined 705 patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
Of these, 311 cases (44%) were confirmed as lung cancer, with 173 (56%) being women. Notably, less than 50% of the confirmed cases were men.
Indoor Air Pollution: A Major Contributor
Traditionally, tobacco smoking was considered the primary risk factor for lung cancer. However, in Uganda, where relatively few women smoke, the study indicates that indoor air pollution is a significant contributor to the rise in lung cancer cases among women. Many women cook in poorly ventilated spaces using wood and shrubs, leading to prolonged exposure to harmful smoke.
Age and Socioeconomic Factors
The study also found that age is a contributing factor, with most affected women being over 60 years old. Interestingly, the cases were evenly distributed across the country, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Symptoms and Late Diagnosis
Lung cancer typically presents with symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, breathlessness, significant weight loss, and coughing up blood. Unfortunately, most patients seek medical attention late, resulting in poor outcomes, including death.
Of the 311 confirmed lung cancer cases, 176 (56.6%) patients had died, primarily due to late reporting to healthcare facilities.
Financial Barriers to Diagnosis
Even when patients seek early diagnosis, they often face financial constraints. A CT scan costs approximately UGX 300,000, which is unaffordable for many Ugandans. Additionally, obtaining a sample for further diagnosis can cost between UGX 700,000 and 1,000,000. Due to the high costs, some patients return home to look for money and either do not return for treatment or come back with worsened symptoms.
Recommendations for Action
The study recommends several measures to address the rising lung cancer cases:
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Community Awareness: Increase public knowledge about lung cancer, its risk factors, and the costs involved in diagnosis.
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Early Diagnosis: Promote early detection to enable timely treatment and improve outcomes.
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Personalized Care: Implement targeted therapy for lung cancer patients to enhance treatment success.
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Reduce Indoor Air Pollution: Encourage open-space cooking and improve access to health facilities equipped to diagnose tuberculosis and lung cancer.
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Clinical Management: Health workers should implement clinical TB management guidelines, ensuring follow-ups at two weeks and one month. If a patient does not improve on TB treatment, they should be referred for advanced care to avoid delayed lung cancer diagnosis.
Conclusion
The findings from the Makerere University Lung Institute underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the rising incidence of lung cancer among women in Uganda. Addressing indoor air pollution, improving early diagnosis, and enhancing public awareness are critical steps toward mitigating this growing health crisis.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the full study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.
Study Reference
Najjingo, I., et al. (2022). A 10-year retrospective study of lung cancer in Uganda. Makerere University Lung Institute. Retrieved from https://makir.mak.ac.ug/handle/10570/8227
