Kaposi’s sarcoma and other cancers known as Lymphomas are common in HIV-postive people in Uganda, especially in those people with advanced disease.

However, not all people who have cancer have HIV/AIDS. The presentation of these cancers may be similar in both HIV positive and negative people and it may not be easy to clinically differentiate them.

But healthcare giver providers with experience may be able to tell the difference depending on the presentation. So, the only way to one’s HIV status is to do an HIV test.
If an HIV test is done in a certified laboratory that follows proven testing protocols and it shows one is HIV negative, then it can be trusted. Its important that all people undergo medical check ups regularly for such conditions like: cancer, , diabetes, high blood pressure and HIV. This is because it’s possible to have these diseases and leave on looking healthy and yet all isn’t well with you.

As told by Dr Aisha Lukwago