The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has issued a strong warning against a growing wave of misinformation claiming that men suckling women’s breasts can prevent breast cancer — calling the notion completely false and scientifically baseless.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Naghib Bogere, an oncologist at UCI, said such misleading beliefs spread quickly through social media and word of mouth, diverting attention from real prevention methods.
“We know that breastfeeding by a child is one of the proven ways to lower breast cancer risk,” Dr. Bogere clarified. “The longer a woman breastfeeds, the more her breast cells mature, reducing the likelihood of cancer. But these changes do not occur if a husband is simply sucking the breasts. That is a misconception with no scientific support.”
Dr. Bogere warned that misinformation can cause real harm by giving people false reassurance while discouraging them from proper screening or medical care. He urged men instead to support their partners by encouraging monthly breast self-examinations and seeking medical help early. “When breast cancer is detected in its early stages, the chances of healing are as high as 90%,” he emphasized.
UCI also reminded the public that men are not immune to breast cancer. About one in every 25 breast cancer patients in Uganda is male. “Men also have breast tissue and can develop cancer. They should examine their chests for lumps or changes and seek care if they notice anything unusual,” Dr. Bogere said.
Dr. Alfred Jatho, also from UCI, announced a series of community awareness and free screening activities across Uganda throughout October to counter misinformation and promote early detection.
UCI Executive Director Dr. Jackson Orem reaffirmed that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Ugandan women, with over 4,000 new cases each year — many detected too late for effective treatment. “With early detection and timely treatment, up to 90% of cases are curable,” Dr. Orem said.
He added that breast cancer increasingly affects younger women aged 30 to 50, with nearly 80% of patients still presenting at advanced stages — a challenge worsened by misinformation and delayed health-seeking behavior.
