In 2023, Rwanda detected 5283 new cancer cases, as reported by the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), underscoring the escalating seriousness of cancer in the country.
Mr. Marc Hagenimana, the Acting Director of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Unit at RBC, expressed deep concern over the rising cases, particularly noting the prevalence of breast and cervical cancers.
In 2023, 97,077 individuals underwent testing for cervical cancer, revealing 610 cases, while 130,133 were tested for breast cancer, detecting 605 cases. Over the past five years, 372,904 Rwandan women have been screened for cervical cancer.
Hagenimana stressed that these figures represent only a portion of actual cases, urging Rwandans to undergo regular screenings. Efforts are underway to raise awareness, especially for cervical and breast cancer screenings, with Hagenimana emphasizing the preventability and eradication of cervical cancer through vaccination and early symptom screening for 12-year-old girls.
He also highlighted the potential for complete cure when certain cancers are detected early, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for higher recovery chances.
The Rwandan government, in collaboration with partners like SFH Rwanda and Partners in Health, is actively focusing on providing support for cancer patients, including medications.
Currently, five hospitals in Rwanda are equipped to handle cancer cases: Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), Butare University Teaching Hospital, Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, and Butaro Hospital.
