Jacinta Namuddu is a 52-year-old mother of two widowed at an early age, is a resident of Mutungo in Nakawa Division-Kampala District. For two years, Jacinta struggled with Cervical cancer that was diagnosed at stage two, but with support from Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative, she won the battle and is now an advocate among other women in her community. Check out how this magically happened!
“My name is Jacinta Namuddu and I am 52 years old. I had always lived a simple but happy life with my two children, even after the death of my husband when I was only 20 years. For the love of my children, I decided not to re-marry as this would maybe deny me a chance to love my children to the fullest.
However, this was cut short in 2021, when I started suffering from severe pain in my upper abdomen, the back and knees. After several unsuccessful treatments for infections, my doctor interpreted the signs as possible cancer of the cervix and it was then that he referred me to ROM.
“I am so grateful to ROM for helping me to go through that difficult situation, for without the help of the clinicians, I would not have managed.” Jacinta said.
On 27th January 2022, I went to ROM to find out what the problem was. When the health workers examined me, they realized I was positive with cervical cancer. The bad news did not come easily but with support from ROM Clinicians, I tried to understand that it was time to start fighting for my life. I was referred to Kawempe National Referral Hospital for further examination.
At Kawempe hospital, screening was done and twenty-one days after, it was confirmed I had stage two cervical cancer and was referred to Uganda Cancer Institute. I later joined Hospice Africa in Makindye Division-Kampala where I have been getting treatment to date. Jacinta on one of the visits to ROM in June 2023
I am so grateful to ROM for helping me to go through that difficult situation, for without the help of the clinicians, I would not have managed.” Jacinta said.
Recalling how difficult it was to access treatment at Uganda Cancer Institute, Jacinta calls upon all health workers at local facilities to always follow up their patients referred for specialized treatment as this support can be helpful in making very important decisions as far as the patients’ health is concerned. Jacinta reflects that had she known that it was possible to remove her uterus so that she lives without fear of any cancer spreading to other parts of the body. With this experience, Jacinta is determined, with all her might to fight cancer among fellow women.
“I now know what to do and God forbid! If any of my friends or family members ever suffer from cancer, I will advise them on what to and also support them through the hard times. My message to every woman is that they should go for cancer screening at least once every year. May God bless all those who strive to end cancer.” She added.
