UGANDA: LET YOUR TEA COOL BEFORE YOU DRINK IT

Uganda Cancer Institute Chief Dr Orem Warns of Soaring Oesophageal Cancer Cases: “Let Your Tea Cool Before You Drink It”

The Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Dr. Jackson Orem, has issued a stark warning to Ugandans about the rising threat of oesophageal cancer, now ranked as the country’s fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, after cervical cancer.

Speaking at a recent press briefing in Kampala, Dr. Orem called for urgent public attention to lifestyle-related risk factors, particularly the consumption of scalding-hot beverages, which he described as a “completely avoidable” cause of cancer.

“Let your tea cool before drinking it,” Dr. Orem urged. Consuming beverages above 65 degrees Celsius repeatedly damages the lining of the oesophagus and significantly increases cancer risk. This is a small change with a big impact.”

Oesophageal cancer affects the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the absence of early warning signs. “Most patients come to us only when the disease is far advanced,” Dr. Orem noted. “By then, treatment options are limited and costly.”

Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, unexplained weight loss, and chest discomfort. However, Dr. Orem emphasised that many risk factors are preventable through behavioural change and education.