Abstract

Cancer has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda, particularly due to late-stage diagnoses, 
limited access to screening, and the high cost of treatment. Community Health Workers (CHWs) have emerged as 
key players in addressing these challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas. This review evaluates the role 
of CHWs in raising cancer awareness, promoting early detection, and reducing stigma. CHWs leverage their deep 
community ties and cultural competence to deliver cancer education and encourage health-seeking behaviors, such 
as participation in screening programs for cervical and breast cancer. Despite their significant contributions, CHWs 
face several obstacles, including insufficient training, lack of resources, and cultural stigma surrounding cancer. This 
review explores the effectiveness of CHWs in cancer awareness campaigns, identifies the challenges they encounter, 
and proposes strategies to strengthen their role, such as targeted training, resource allocation, and integration into 
national cancer control strategies. The findings underscore the potential of CHWs in transforming cancer 
prevention efforts in Uganda, offering valuable insights for similar low-resource settings.