For 51-year-old Ingabire, what began as a recurring lump in her right breast eventually led to a cancer diagnosis and treatment at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB).

When the lump first appeared, she sought treatment at a local dispensary, where she was given medication and the swelling disappeared. It returned several times, however, prompting her to seek treatment at the dispensary four times.

When it continued to recur, she went to Kinazi Health Centre in Kinazi Sector, Ruhango District, for a check-up and was referred to CHUB.

When she arrived at CHUB in May, doctors took a tissue sample for testing. The results confirmed that she had breast cancer.

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She was told she would receive eight injections, administered every three weeks, before undergoing surgery and further treatment.

Ingabire is receiving treatment through the community-based health insurance scheme, while her husband helps cover transport and other treatment-related expenses. The costs remain a challenge for the family, particularly as they have four children in school.

A former farmer, Ingabire is now too weak to work. However, she said travelling to CHUB is more manageable than travelling to Butaro Hospital for treatment.

"I am thankful that my condition was discovered, and I am glad that the care is now close to us. Before, the better option was to go to Butaro Hospital, which is far from us,” she said.

She said doctors monitor her condition and contact her when she is due for appointments. She was also advised that although cancer is serious, it can be treated.

Ingabire had asked whether she could keep her breast if the tumour disappeared following treatment. The doctor, however, explained that removing it would be safer to prevent the cancer from spreading.

"People should go to the hospital as soon as they notice anything unusual. Going to traditional healers can be dangerous, and delaying treatment can worsen the condition,” she said.

Another patient, Hamim Rwashumba, a father of four from Huye District, also said having cancer services closer to home has made accessing treatment easier.

Rwashumba began experiencing severe stomach problems in 2024, including persistent diarrhoea, pain and difficulty eating, drinking and sleeping. He sought treatment at a district hospital, but tests did not identify the cause.

The symptoms continued into 2025, prompting repeated visits to health facilities without a diagnosis.

Early this year, he went to CHUB for further examinations. His condition worsened, and he was admitted to the hospital for about 20 days in May.

Further examinations, including imaging, revealed a tumour in his intestine. He underwent surgery and said his condition has since improved.

"I can now sleep, eat and use the toilet, unlike before,” he said.

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He was informed in June that he had intestinal cancer and is awaiting information on the next stage of his treatment.

Cancer treatment within reach

The cancer centre at CHUB began operations in August 2025, bringing diagnosis and treatment closer to patients in the southern and surrounding regions.

It initially provided cancer diagnosis and staging, as well as oral and subcutaneous treatments, while referring some patients to other cancer centres depending on their condition, ability to pay and treatment preferences.

In July 2026, the centre expanded its services to include chemotherapy infusions, where cancer medicines are delivered directly into a vein.

Dr Adonay Gebreslassie, a clinical oncologist at CHUB, said the expansion is significant because the southern part of the country has one of the highest cancer incidences, according to a study based on the Rwanda Cancer Registry.

"Many patients from the south, south-west and the like used to go to other cancer centres. Before, there was no cancer treatment service here, no oncologist or oncology nurse. Those who could not afford treatment sometimes returned home without receiving the care they needed,” he said.

Gebreslassie said CHUB had pathology services before the cancer centre was established, but these were not as comprehensive as they are today.

The centre can now diagnose which stage of cancer and begin treatment, depending on available resources, with plans to treat most solid cancers and some lymphomas.

The hospital has installed a chemotherapy mixing machine, established oncology wards and outpatient services, and trained oncology nurses.

It also has a new MRI machine, CT scanner and radiologists, alongside surgeons from specialties including general surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and orthopaedics.

"Cancer treatment is multidisciplinary in nature. It needs pathology, radiology, surgical and oncology services, ENT, and a lot of departments,” Gebreslassie said.

The centre has also started multidisciplinary meetings, where specialists review challenging cases together. Depending on the patient, these discussions may involve oncologists, radiologists and surgeons.

The number of oncology specialists has also increased. Gebreslassie, who previously worked at Butaro Hospital and King Faisal Hospital, now works full-time at CHUB.

Two recently graduated Rwandan oncologists have joined him, bringing the number of oncologists at the centre to three, with a gynaecologist also involved in patient care.

"We currently see between 10 and 20 patients a day, depending on the day. We are also planning to receive at least 10 referrals a day from other health facilities for patients who can be treated here,” he said.

The number is being kept at that level for now to avoid overwhelming the new service, which also treats patients diagnosed at CHUB.

Early diagnosis remains key

Gebreslassie said the rise in cancer diagnoses does not necessarily mean the disease has suddenly become more common.

Improved diagnostic methods, greater awareness and better access to treatment are among the factors contributing to the increase.

"Globally, cancer incidence is increasing, but the rise in diagnoses is also linked to improved diagnostic methods, greater awareness and better access to treatment,” he said.

He said more people are now seeking medical care, whereas in the past some patients with cancer-related wounds would hide and avoid hospitals.

However, many patients still arrive with advanced prostate, breast and cervical cancers, partly because of limited awareness, inadequate access to screening and financial constraints.

Early detection, he said, gives patients a better chance of successful treatment.

Access remains a challenge

Despite the expansion of cancer services at CHUB, some patients still struggle to afford treatment and return home for palliative care at nearby hospitals.

Gebreslassie said including more cancer medicines in the community-based health insurance package could help reduce the financial burden on patients.

He added that bringing services closer to communities could encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patients’ chances of recovery.

Cancer care at CHUB also includes support beyond chemotherapy and other active treatments. Patients need psychosocial, nutritional and pain-management support throughout their treatment.

Doctors already provide counselling and pain management, while a trained psychologist or psychotherapist supports patients. The centre plans to further integrate psychosocial and nutritional services into its cancer programme.

The hospital also plans to expand its services further.

"We are looking ahead to offering radiotherapy as we continue to expand cancer services,” Gebreslassie said.