Angeline Usanase, 75, first learned she had cervical cancer in October 2017. When the doctor gave her the diagnosis, she couldn’t believe it. Seeking confirmation, she visited another doctor, who told her the same thing. She had to accept the diagnosis when the doctor explained that she had a tumour. After that, I decided to visit the doctor regularly. Since my cancer was at stage 2, the doctor assured me that I had a high chance of recovery because it was still at an early stage,” Usanase said in an interview with The New Times. She began chemotherapy, undergoing treatment for three months. In the fourth month, she started radiotherapy. I made sure I never wasted time—I followed my treatment schedule strictly to ensure everything went well, she added. ALSO READ: Rwanda could eliminate cervical cancer by 2027 During her treatment, Usanase followed medical advice, avoiding junk food and prioritising a diet predominantly rich in fruits and green vegetables. I took care of myself and listened to the doctor’s guidance. In April 2018, I was told I was cancer-free, she said. Usanase continues to follow her doctor’s advice by maintaining a healthy diet and attending regular checkups. As a Christian, I also pray, she said. Usanase urges women to visit the doctor early, even before they feel sick. Early detection saved my life. It’s important to know your health status. I also encourage my children to go for regular checkups, even if they have no symptoms. Detecting an illness early makes treatment much easier. A disease diagnosed at an early stage has a bigger chance of getting treated than a disease diagnosed late. ALSO READ: Rwanda set to launch cervical cancer elimination plan She also cautions against using prayers or traditional medicine as a cure when a person is sick. Some people die because they wait for healing through prayer instead of seeking medical treatment. Praying is good, but it should go hand in hand with seeing a doctor. Traditional remedies should only be used if a doctor approves them. After healing, Usanase joined other women in the Women’s Cancers Relief Foundation to share her experience and testimony. The foundation also provides psychological support for its members. ALSO READ: Rwanda moves to make cancer treatment more affordable for population Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Dr. Jean-Paul Balinda, a specialist in breast and cervical cancer and the founder of the Women’s Cancers Relief Foundation, emphasises that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 350,000 women die from cervical cancer each year, out of 660,000 cases. ALSO READ: What Rwanda is doing to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027 However, Dr. Balinda noted that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. “If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat successfully,” he said. “A person who engages in sexual activity before the age of 20 has a higher risk of developing cervical cancer if they contract the virus. On the other hand, individuals who have never had sexual intercourse have a much lower chance of getting the disease,” he explained. He further noted that while HPV can persist in the body for a long time, most women’s immune systems are capable of fighting off the virus. “About 85% of women can naturally clear the virus without it causing any harm,” he said. To combat cervical cancer, the Rwandan government has introduced nationwide HPV vaccinations for young girls. Additionally, screening programs have been established to detect precancerous symptoms, particularly in women aged 25 to 49. “When cervical cancer is detected early, treatment can be provided before it progresses to a life-threatening stage. The Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) have been proactive in ensuring that women with early signs of the disease receive timely treatment,” he added. ALSO READ: Breast cancer: Early detection is the best protection He also stressed the importance of prevention, saying that “one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer is by delaying sexual activity until adulthood.” Dr. Balinda’s commitment to women’s health led him to establish the Women’s Cancers Relief Foundation. He previously worked in the cervical and breast cancer department at RBC, where he recognised a gap in patient care—specifically, the lack of follow-up support for women after they were discharged from the hospital. “When a patient is released, especially after undergoing chemotherapy, which involves very strong drugs, there’s often no system in place to check on them. No one knows if they are eating properly, how they are feeling, or if they are coping with the side effects,” he said. This concern inspired him to bring together women who have experienced breast and cervical cancer, providing them with a support network and follow-up care to improve their recovery and well-being.
