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Charting the course: Rwanda’s efforts to combat cancer through early detection and treatment

By Esther Muhozi
On 25 January 2024 at 09:20

Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has drawn attention to the rising number of individuals grappling with cancer, accompanied by an alarming increase in mortality rates. However, a glimmer of hope persists through early diagnosis, paving the way for potential treatment.

If you inquire among those close to you about cancer diagnoses, you may find a few individuals who have been affected. Currently, those suffering from cancer often discover their condition after visiting a clinic.

Cancer has become a pervasive health challenge in Rwanda and globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) revealing an annual influx of 20 million new cancer cases and a staggering 10 million deaths. Projections suggest a daunting 60% surge in cancer patients by 2040, reaching an alarming 30 million individuals.

These statistics indicate a 60% increase in cancer patients by 2040, totaling 30 million people.

Rwanda has six hospitals dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer. However, health authorities indicate a continuous rise in the number of people diagnosed with cancer.

Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, Director of the Cancer Programme at RBC, revealed to IGIHE that the overall number of cancer patients is increasing, with cervical cancer being the second most common type after breast cancer.

He emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that every year, they receive more than five hundred patients in need of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.

Dr. Maniragaba highlighted that Rwandans, in general, were not sufficiently aware of the importance of getting tested for various cancers, even though effective treatments are available.

In Rwanda, there are 12 doctors specializing in cancer treatment using chemotherapy or radiation, 15 oncologists, and other healthcare professionals supporting various diseases. The three main cancer treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of death, with the number of cancer-related deaths in Rwanda increasing from 5,900 people in 2014 to 6,044 people in 2020.

Dr. Maniragaba emphasized that breast cancer is the most common cancer leading to fatalities in the country, according to 2020 statistics. The data revealed that breast cancer accounted for 24% of deaths, followed by cervical cancer at 23.9%, stomach cancer at 5.1%, prostate cancer at 4%, non-Hodgkin lymphoma at 3.5%, and other cancers at 39.6%.

For men, the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Rwanda in 2020 included prostate, stomach, liver, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Dr. Maniragaba mentioned that many patients have been treated for cancer and are recovering, although ongoing research aims to determine the exact numbers.

To address this growing health crisis, the Rwandan government has focused on enhancing the capacity of cancer treatment clinics. Noteworthy achievements include the establishment of Butaro Hospital, providing free cancer treatment services, and Kanombe Military Hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art machines, catering to 150 patients daily.

Dr. Maniragaba emphasizes the importance of early cancer diagnosis, stating that timely detection not only facilitates treatment for symptomatic individuals but also opens avenues for a cure when the disease is at its nascent stage.

Kanombe Military Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art machines.
Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, Director of the Cancer Programme at RBC, revealed to IGIHE that the overall number of cancer patients is increasing, with cervical cancer being the second most common type after breast cancer.

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