NORTH SALT LAKE
What started as a pain in his lower back soon appeared to transform nearly every aspect of Joseph Mutalwa’s life.
“I thought it was something that would just go away. But the next day, the pain was in my arms too,” he recalled.
Originally from Uganda, Mutalwa noticed his symptoms beginning in January 2025, during his last year at the University of Utah. The discomfort eventually spread to his legs. He also struggled with shortness of breath, experienced weight loss, and found it difficult to walk.
After several months of doctor’s appointments, a bone marrow test finally unveiled the cause.
“They delivered news I really didn’t want to hear: ‘Joseph, you have stage 4 prostate cancer,'” Mutalwa shared. “I just broke down.”
The cancer had already metastasized to his bones. He spent nine days in the hospital and ultimately missed his finals.
“It was painful every single day,” he admitted. “I couldn’t get any sleep.”
Despite undergoing ongoing treatment and managing a long list of medications, Mutalwa returned to school. He completed his bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Utah and is now working towards a master’s degree in financial management from Boston University.
A patient at Utah Cancer Specialists, he started a clinical trial in Salt Lake City this month.
“The standard treatment wasn’t effective, so my only option was to look into clinical trials,” he noted. “These trials offer me more hope and different treatment options.”
After a meeting with Governor Spencer Cox in May, Mutalwa is now preparing to take his message to Washington.
This Sunday, he will head to D.C. as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, where over 700 cancer patients, survivors, and advocates from around the country are expected to gather.
Mutalwa aims to engage with members of Utah’s congressional delegation to advocate for increased federal funding for cancer research and improved access to clinical trials.
He also plans to support the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, which seeks to remove financial and geographical obstacles that can hinder patient participation in clinical trials.
“Not everyone can manage the costs of transportation, lodging, or medical expenses,” Mutalwa pointed out. “Cancer research represents real lives, not just statistics to the federal government, but people like me and our families.”
While he isn’t sure what the future holds for him, Mutalwa is committed to advocating for others.
“I don’t know how many more years I’ll have because of cancer,” he reflected. “I can’t control cancer itself, but I can choose to spend the time I have left making a difference for others and patients like myself.”
