Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute
PURPOSEBreast cancer is a major public health concern in Uganda, with limited research on its spatial distribution. With the increasing burden of breast cancer in Uganda, ensuring equitable access to care is crucial. This study investigates the spatial distribution of breast cancer cases across Ugan...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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American Society of Clinical Oncology
2025-05-01
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| Series: | JCO Global Oncology |
| Online Access: | https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-24-00533 |
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| author | Naghib Bogere Bridget Sharon Angucia Eva Kababiito Nangobi Joanne Kayaga Margaret Okello Nyeko Margaret Nanteza Okello Edinus Mable Namusoke Joanita Kuratex Mirembe Immaculate Mbarusha Ezra Anecho Benjamin Mwesige Nixon Niyonzima Victoria Abaliwano Walusansa |
| author_facet | Naghib Bogere Bridget Sharon Angucia Eva Kababiito Nangobi Joanne Kayaga Margaret Okello Nyeko Margaret Nanteza Okello Edinus Mable Namusoke Joanita Kuratex Mirembe Immaculate Mbarusha Ezra Anecho Benjamin Mwesige Nixon Niyonzima Victoria Abaliwano Walusansa |
| author_sort | Naghib Bogere |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | PURPOSEBreast cancer is a major public health concern in Uganda, with limited research on its spatial distribution. With the increasing burden of breast cancer in Uganda, ensuring equitable access to care is crucial. This study investigates the spatial distribution of breast cancer cases across Uganda and describes travel distances patients travel to reach the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), the national cancer treatment center. By analyzing geographic patterns and disparities in accessibility, this research aims to inform targeted interventions for improved patient outcomes and a more equitable health care system.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis retrospective study analyzed data from patients with breast cancer treated at UCI from 2009 to 2023. We geocoded patient addresses and calculated the travel distance from each residence to UCI. Spatial analysis was performed using Moran I statistic to assess clustering patterns in breast cancer distribution.RESULTSThis study mapped the residences of 1,926 patients with breast cancer. Over half (54.7%) were concentrated in the Central region, with a median distance to the UCI of 11.2 km. By contrast, patients from the Northern region faced a median journey of 291 km, highlighting a significant disparity in proximity to care. Distinct clusters of patients were identified beyond the capital, Kampala, notably in Mbale (Eastern region) and several towns within the Northern region (Arua, Adjumani, Gulu, and Lira), suggesting potential localized factors influencing breast cancer incidence.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights significant regional disparities in access to breast cancer care in Uganda, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve health care access and reduce the burden of long-distance travel for patients in remote areas. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2c7bb90f7c1940fc9f881c7d68034684 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2687-8941 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | American Society of Clinical Oncology |
| record_format | Article |
| series | JCO Global Oncology |
| spelling | doaj-art-2c7bb90f7c1940fc9f881c7d680346842025-08-20T01:49:04ZengAmerican Society of Clinical OncologyJCO Global Oncology2687-89412025-05-011110.1200/GO-24-00533Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer InstituteNaghib Bogere0Bridget Sharon Angucia1Eva Kababiito Nangobi2Joanne Kayaga3Margaret Okello Nyeko4Margaret Nanteza Okello5Edinus Mable Namusoke6Joanita Kuratex Mirembe7Immaculate Mbarusha8Ezra Anecho9Benjamin Mwesige10Nixon Niyonzima11Victoria Abaliwano Walusansa12Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaCancer Aid Organization, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaCancer Aid Organization, Kampala, UgandaCancer Aid Organization, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaUganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, UgandaPURPOSEBreast cancer is a major public health concern in Uganda, with limited research on its spatial distribution. With the increasing burden of breast cancer in Uganda, ensuring equitable access to care is crucial. This study investigates the spatial distribution of breast cancer cases across Uganda and describes travel distances patients travel to reach the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), the national cancer treatment center. By analyzing geographic patterns and disparities in accessibility, this research aims to inform targeted interventions for improved patient outcomes and a more equitable health care system.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis retrospective study analyzed data from patients with breast cancer treated at UCI from 2009 to 2023. We geocoded patient addresses and calculated the travel distance from each residence to UCI. Spatial analysis was performed using Moran I statistic to assess clustering patterns in breast cancer distribution.RESULTSThis study mapped the residences of 1,926 patients with breast cancer. Over half (54.7%) were concentrated in the Central region, with a median distance to the UCI of 11.2 km. By contrast, patients from the Northern region faced a median journey of 291 km, highlighting a significant disparity in proximity to care. Distinct clusters of patients were identified beyond the capital, Kampala, notably in Mbale (Eastern region) and several towns within the Northern region (Arua, Adjumani, Gulu, and Lira), suggesting potential localized factors influencing breast cancer incidence.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights significant regional disparities in access to breast cancer care in Uganda, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve health care access and reduce the burden of long-distance travel for patients in remote areas.https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-24-00533 |
| spellingShingle | Naghib Bogere Bridget Sharon Angucia Eva Kababiito Nangobi Joanne Kayaga Margaret Okello Nyeko Margaret Nanteza Okello Edinus Mable Namusoke Joanita Kuratex Mirembe Immaculate Mbarusha Ezra Anecho Benjamin Mwesige Nixon Niyonzima Victoria Abaliwano Walusansa Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute JCO Global Oncology |
| title | Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute |
| title_full | Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute |
| title_fullStr | Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute |
| title_short | Mapping the Distribution and Challenges of Long-Distance Travel for Patients With Breast Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute |
| title_sort | mapping the distribution and challenges of long distance travel for patients with breast cancer at the uganda cancer institute |
| url | https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-24-00533 |
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