In Rwanda, cancer remains a leading health challenge, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers being among the most prevalent.

According to Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, the Director of the Cancer Programme at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), early detection plays a role in improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.

He adds that RBC is actively addressing this issue by focusing on screening, vaccinations, and public awareness efforts.

In 2024, RBC reported 5,500 new cancer diagnoses and approximately 3,000 deaths from the disease. In this article, The New Times looks at the most common types of cancer diagnosed in Rwanda.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer, primarily affecting women, recorded 636 cases in 2023. Screening is conducted through Pap smears and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) testing, which help detect precancerous changes in the cervix.

Dr. Maniragaba explained that for cervical cancer, they are vaccinating children aged 13 to 15 with a target of vaccinating 90% of that age group adding that for screening, the goal is to ensure that 90% of women found with pre-cancerous lesions receive treatment.

He noted that women with pre-cancerous lesions are treated at local health centers using methods like thermal ablation or LEEP. For those diagnosed with cancerous lesions, they are referred to specialised treatment centers like Rwanda Military Hospital and King Faisal Hospital.

"At these centers, the patients undergo histopathology, CT scans, and MRIs to confirm the cancer diagnosis and assess its stage. Based on the stage, treatment options like surgery or radiotherapy are decided,” he said.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Rwanda, with 706 female and 33 male cases reported. Screening typically involves regular mammograms for women over 40 or earlier for those with a family history of the disease.

According to Dr. Maniragaba, for breast cancer, awareness efforts are aligned with cervical cancer screening noting that if any issues are detected, the patient is referred to the treatment centers for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

"We explain to all women who come for cervical cancer screening about the signs and symptoms of any breast malignancy or lesions,” he added.

He also mentioned that breast cancer treatment involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery emphasizing that the intervention for breast cancer is paired with that of cervical cancer, providing holistic education for women about both cancers.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is screened using a blood test known as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. In 2023, 516 male cases of prostate cancer were identified.

Dr. Maniragaba emphasised that men over 50, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to undergo regular screening.

He explained that the screening and treatment process for prostate cancer is similar to that of other cancers.

"Men between the ages of 30 and 49 are screened, with a target to screen 1.3 million men by 2027. If any abnormalities are detected, they are referred to treatment centers where they undergo further tests for accurate diagnosis and treatment," he stated.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is less commonly screened in the general population, but individuals with a family history or symptoms (such as unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, or persistent indigestion) may undergo endoscopy.

Treatment typically involves surgery to remove part or all of the stomach, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. The specific treatment plan depends on the stage of cancer.

In 2023,213 male and 259 female cases were identified.

Liver cancer

Liver cancer recorded an incidence of 197 male and 186 female cases in 2023. Screening for liver cancer is often recommended for individuals with a history of chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The screening process typically involves regular ultrasound exams and blood tests to assess liver function.

Dr. Maniragaba also mentioned that the treatment for liver cancer can include surgery (such as liver resection), liver transplant, or localized treatments like ablation or embolization. Depending on the cancer’s stage, chemotherapy and targeted therapies may also be utilized.

Colon, Rectum, and Anus Cancer:

In 2023, there were 146 male and 188 female cases of colorectal cancer in Rwanda. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening, typically recommended for individuals over 50, or earlier for those with a family history. Blood tests and stool tests (like the fecal occult blood test) are also used.

Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy or radiation, particularly if the cancer has spread.

Leukemia:

In 2023, 135 male and 146 female cases of leukemia were recorded. It is diagnosed through blood tests and bone marrow biopsies, as routine screenings are uncommon.

Treatment includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and sometimes stem cell transplants, depending on the type of leukemia and the patient's overall health.

Lymphoma:

In 2023, 129 male and 103 female cases of lymphoma were recorded. It is diagnosed based on symptoms, like swollen lymph nodes, and confirmed with a biopsy. CT scans may be used to assess the spread.

Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes stem cell transplants, depending on the type and stage of lymphoma.

Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer

Screening for lung cancer typically includes low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking, and chest X-rays may also be used.

In 2023, there were 74 male and 103 female cases of lung cancer.

Treatment options depend on the cancer’s location, type, and stage, and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies.

Mouth and Pharynx Cancer

In 2023, 98 male and 59 female cases of mouth and pharynx cancer were recorded, making it the last cancer on the list.

Screening usually involves a physical exam of the mouth, throat, and neck, followed by a biopsy if any suspicious lesions are found.

Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the cancer’s location and stage.

Dr. Maniragaba underlined the importance of early screening, stating that it helps detect the disease at an early stage and increases the chance of curative treatment and cure.

"We are trying to do education, we can prevent where possible, but also, for where the disease has been found, to make sure that our population finds qualified human resources and equipment to ensure proper treatment," he reiterated.