In a departure from traditional end-of-life care, Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja in Uganda has expanded its mission to include cancer prevention and treatment, specifically targeting cervical cancer, a leading cause of death for women in the region. The hospice, traditionally focused on providing palliative care and pain management for the dying, initiated the program to address the high prevalence of preventable cancers and improve overall community health.

The program includes cervical cancer screening, education, and treatment, addressing a critical need in eastern Uganda, where early diagnosis is rare. According to Sylvia Nakami, executive director of Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja, the expansion was driven by a desire to do more for the community. "Even with liquid morphine and other pain medications the hospice provided to ease symptoms," Nakami said, the team felt compelled to address the root causes of suffering.

Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening, such as Pap tests or HPV tests, can detect precancerous changes in the cervix, allowing for early treatment and prevention of invasive cancer. In June 2022, Deborah Nantenza, a 46-year-old mother of six, participated in a screening program led by the hospice. Clinical staff discovered precancerous cervical cells, and Nantenza received prompt treatment. "I'm feeling better," Nantenza stated, and now advocates for other women to get screened.

The hospice's initiative addresses significant barriers to healthcare access in the region, including lack of awareness, fear of testing, and limited resources. By integrating cancer prevention and treatment into its existing services, Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja is providing comprehensive care to a vulnerable population. The program serves as a model for other palliative care institutions in resource-limited settings, demonstrating the potential to broaden their scope and impact community health beyond end-of-life care. The long-term impact of the program will be evaluated through ongoing monitoring of screening rates, treatment outcomes, and cancer incidence in the region.