From Kampala to the world — How the globe is rallying around breast cancer awareness month

Every October, the world turns pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to spread hope, raise awareness, and encourage early testing. From Kampala to New York, from Paris to Nairobi, countries come together to remind everyone that early detection saves lives.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 2.3 million new breast cancer cases were recorded globally in 2022, with about 670,000 deaths. Experts warn that one in every 20 women may face breast cancer in her lifetime.

If current trends continue, the number of new cases could reach 3 million every year by 2050.To address this growing problem, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, which aims to reduce deaths by 2.5% per year up to 2040 — potentially saving over 2.5 million lives through early detection, timely diagnosis, and proper treatment.

Around the world, landmarks light up in pink each October — from the Eiffel Tower in France to Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. These bright pink lights symbolize hope and remind people that breast cancer can affect anyone, anywhere. The campaign’s message is simple: get checked early, and you can beat cancer.

Here in Uganda, hospitals, NGOs, and community health workers join the Pink October movement through awareness walks, free medical camps, and public education. The Uganda Cancer Institute continues to call on women to go for regular screening and to seek medical help immediately if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts.

Many women in Ugandan however, still come for treatment at very late stages, when the disease is harder to manage. That’s why awareness and education are key. When global landmarks shine pink, they also shine for Ugandan mothers, sisters, and daughters who are fighting to survive.

As the world celebrates Pink October, Uganda stands with others in spreading awareness and encouraging early testing. Breast cancer can be beaten — and every woman deserves the chance to live a healthy, hopeful life.