Cancer Diagnostic Projects & Training Programs
Our Core Projects
Diagnostic support & training
Over the past six years, ACAT has been dedicated to supporting cancer diagnosis and training histopathologists in Southern Uganda. A trustee has made regular visits to the pathology laboratory in Mbarara, contributing to the training and qualification of six local doctors as histopathologists, strengthening the region's diagnostic capabilities.
Biopsy Clinic
Our Biopsy Clinic ensures early and accurate cancer detection, providing vital diagnostic services where access is limited. By equipping local healthcare professionals with training and essential pathology tools, we help deliver timely diagnoses, improving patient outcomes and access to life-saving treatment.
Histopathology Courses
Our courses train specialists in Uganda to enhance cancer diagnosis through expert-led lectures and hands-on microscopy sessions. By addressing the shortage of trained histopathologists, we help improve early detection and treatment, leading to better patient outcomes.
DaiDipper Technology
The DaiDipper is our innovative automated staining machine, designed to make advanced diagnostic technology accessible to resource-limited laboratories. At under £100 to build, it aims to provide consistent, reliable immunostaining results while being completely open-source and easy to use.
Diagnostic Support & Training Programs
Empowering local healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for accurate cancer diagnosis.
Bridging the Diagnostic Gap in Uganda
Uganda, with a population comparable to that of the UK, has fewer than 100 histopathologists—an alarming shortfall in diagnostic capacity. This shortage is recognised by the Ugandan government, which has introduced training programmes to address the issue. However, many senior staff involved in training are either relatively new to teaching or stretched by heavy clinical workloads.
To help fill this critical gap, Africa Cancer Action Trust (ACAT) has, since 2018, supported histopathology training in Uganda by providing an experienced UK consultant pathologist. This senior pathologist travels to Uganda three times a year, offering hands-on mentorship, diagnostic advice, and structured educational support.
To date, over 100 tutorials have been delivered, strengthening diagnostic skills and supporting the development of the country's next generation of cancer specialists.
Training Areas
Microscopy Techniques
Advanced tissue examination and interpretationCancer Diagnosis
Specialized focus on breast cancer detectionQuality Assurance
Maintaining diagnostic accuracy and standards6 Local Doctors
Trained as qualified histopathologists
6 Years
Of continuous support and training
100+ Tutorials
Delivered to strengthen diagnostic skills
Supporting the Next Generation of Pathologists in Uganda
Comprehensive educational programs designed to address Uganda's critical shortage of trained histopathologists.
In 2022, Africa Cancer Action Trust (ACAT) undertook a review of the educational opportunities available to trainee histopathologists in Uganda. The findings revealed a significant gap in access to structured, hands-on training—particularly in diagnostic microscopy—due to financial constraints and limited local resources.
In response, with funding from the Welsh Government's Wales and Africa Grants Scheme, ACAT organised an intensive five-day teaching programme in Mbarara, Uganda. The course was delivered to all 20 histopathology trainees in the country and led by a team of four volunteer UK consultant pathologists.
The training focused on the histopathological diagnosis of breast, prostate, bladder, kidney, salivary gland, and soft tissue cancers. Participants reviewed over 100 microscope slides, gaining practical experience and expert guidance.
Feedback from the trainees was overwhelmingly positive. Post-course evaluations indicated a marked improvement in both diagnostic skills and confidence among participants.
This initiative highlights ACAT's commitment to building sustainable cancer diagnostic capacity in sub-Saharan Africa by investing in local expertise.
Training Focus & Results
Cancer-Specific Diagnostics
- Breast and prostate cancers
- Bladder and kidney cancers
- Salivary gland and soft tissue cancers
Advanced Techniques
- Diagnostic microscopy skills
- 4 UK consultant pathologists led training
Programme Outcomes
- 100% found training relevant and worthwhile
- Significant improvement in diagnostic skills
- Enhanced confidence in patient care
Five-Day Programme
Intensive hands-on training delivered in Mbarara, Uganda with expert guidance throughout
All 20 Trainees
Every histopathology trainee in Uganda participated in this comprehensive programme
100+ Slides Reviewed
Extensive practical experience with real diagnostic cases across multiple cancer types
Transforming Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Uganda
At Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), our innovative approach is saving lives through affordable, accessible diagnostics.
The Challenge
An review at MUST's Department of Pathology revealed a major healthcare gap: most women with breast lumps couldn't access timely diagnoses due to the high cost of needle biopsies. Though available privately, the $50 USD fee was unaffordable for 90% of women, whose average daily income is under $1.50 USD.
Many women in Uganda with breast lumps cannot afford private biopsies, leaving them without a diagnosis.
Our Solution
ACAT stepped in to support the Department of Pathology in introducing a needle biopsy clinic. With the charity's funding, a room on the ground floor of the Department of Medicine was refurbished, and essential consumables were purchased. Over 200 patients have visited the clinic since it opened in November 2022.
Services are provided at no cost to patients, removing the financial barrier to care
Financial Innovation for Sustainability
Through creative problem-solving and careful resource management, we've developed a model that dramatically reduces costs while maintaining clinical excellence. Our team worked with local medical staff to design a system that brings the consumable cost per biopsy down to under $5 USD a fraction of the standard cost.
ACAT Clinic: $5
Our sustainable approach dramatically reduces costs while maintaining clinical excellence
Private Clinic: $50
Standard approach with disposable equipment creates cost barriers for patients
Measurable Impact
From concept to reality, our biopsy clinic has quickly become an essential healthcare resource for the region, demonstrating powerful results in a short time.
November 2022
Clinic officially launched after rapid development and staff training
Over 200 Patients
Women served who previously had no access to diagnostic services
134 Cancer Diagnoses
Lives potentially saved through early detection and treatment
Advancing Medical Knowledge
Beyond providing direct clinical care, our biopsy clinic has become a catalyst for important medical research. New investigations are underway exploring the complex relationship between HIV and breast cancer, an understudied area with significant implications for patient care in the region.
Equally important is our community outreach initiative encouraging women to seek evaluation at the earliest signs of breast abnormalities. This project is designed to dramatically improve survival rates through education, reduced stigma, and increased awareness of our no-cost diagnostic services.
The Critical Role of Tissue Biopsies
For effective breast cancer treatment, oncologists require specific information that only tissue biopsies can reliably provide:
- Cancer Type: Different histological variants require tailored treatment approaches
- Tumor Grade: Indicates aggressiveness and helps determine the appropriate intensity of chemotherapy
- Biomarker Profile: Essential for selecting targeted therapies that maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects
- Staging Information: Determines how far the cancer has progressed, guiding overall treatment strategy
These critical diagnostic insights can only be obtained through proper tissue sampling with specialized biopsy needles-the exact service our clinic provides to women who would otherwise go without.
Developing Accessible Cancer Diagnostic Technology
The DaiDipper project aims to democratize access to sophisticated medical technology for resource-limited healthcare settings through innovative engineering.
Prototype Development and Innovation
The DaiDipper project focuses on automating the laborious and time-consuming immunostaining process essential for accurate cancer diagnosis.
Our prototype design emphasizes precise control of timing and reagent application to ensure consistent, reproducible results while being accessible to laboratories with limited resources.
Costing a fraction of commercial alternatives, the DaiDipper aims to make automated diagnostics accessible worldwide.
DaiDipper Criteria
Open Access
All code and instructions will be published openly for global implementation
Low Cost
Target total cost under £100 to ensure affordability for resource-limited settings
Accessibility
All components designed to be easily obtainable worldwide
Ease of Use
No specialized expertise knowledge required for operation
Access our open-source code repository on GitHub
Why Automated Staining Technology Matters
Current Manual Process Limitations:
- Time-intensive procedures requiring hours per sample with constant supervision
- Inconsistent results due to human variability in timing and technique
- Limited throughput capacity in high-demand diagnostic settings
- Increased reagent waste from imprecise manual application
Potential DaiDipper Advantages:
- Consistent, reproducible staining protocols with precise timing control
- Liberation of skilled technicians for other critical diagnostic tasks
- Reduced reagent waste through automated precision application
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy and processing speed capabilities
The Importance of Immunostaining in Cancer Diagnosis
Accurate cancer treatment relies on detailed tissue analysis that automated staining can significantly improve:
- Biomarker Identification: Precise staining reveals specific proteins that guide targeted therapy selection
- Tumor Classification: Consistent staining patterns help pathologists accurately identify cancer subtypes
- Treatment Planning: Reliable immunostaining results inform oncologists about the most effective treatment approaches
- Quality Assurance: Automated processes reduce variability and improve diagnostic confidence
Once fully developed and validated, the DaiDipper could provide these critical diagnostic capabilities to laboratories that currently lack access to automated staining technology.