Stakeholders have stepped up efforts to raise awareness about cancer and promote early screening as mobilisation for this year’s Rotary Cancer Run gathers pace.
At an activation held at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso urged the public to treat cancer prevention and early detection as an ongoing priority rather than an issue to be addressed only during the annual fundraising event.
“The fight against cancer does not begin on the day of the race. It begins with awareness, education, early screening and our collective community action,” Byekwaso said.
He said delayed diagnosis remains a major concern, with some patients seeking medical care only after the disease has progressed.
Byekwaso called for greater public awareness to encourage people to discuss cancer, undergo screening and seek medical attention early.
“Awareness is important so that people can go for treatment,” he said.
This year’s Rotary Cancer Run is seeking to raise funds towards radiotherapy infrastructure, as stakeholders push for greater access to specialised cancer treatment in Uganda.
The campaign is expected to bring together individuals, companies and organisations to raise funds while also increasing public awareness about cancer screening and treatment.
Centenary Bank, which has supported 13 editions of the Cancer Run, has contributed more than Shs3 billion to cancer-related initiatives over the years, according to the bank. It has also participated in more than 300 Rotary health camps across the country.
The bank has committed Shs500 million to this year’s Cancer Run and more than Shs300 million to other Rotary activities.
Byekwaso said sustained partnerships would be important in addressing gaps in cancer care and improving access to treatment.
“As a bank, we remain committed to partnerships that create lasting change,” he said.
The campaign organisers and partners are also using the Cancer Run to encourage Ugandans to make screening and early detection part of their routine health decisions.
The emphasis on early detection comes as cancer continues to affect families across the country, with delayed diagnosis often complicating treatment.
Centenary Bank said it allocates part of its annual net profit to corporate social investment. This year, the bank said the allocation was 2 per cent, amounting to nearly Shs6 billion, for programmes targeting groups including youth, women, refugees, children, older persons and the business community.
As mobilisation continues, Byekwaso called on individuals, families, companies and institutions to participate in the Cancer Run by registering, purchasing kits, forming teams and contributing to the fundraising campaign.
The Rotary Cancer Run will combine fundraising with public awareness efforts, with the proceeds expected to support the development of radiotherapy infrastructure.
