Breast cancer is curable when it’s detected early

Editor,This is with reference to the article, “Hundreds get free breast cancer testing”, published in The New Times on October 25.What kind of screening is it? Is it mammography? If the test is positive, is the health sector ready to take care of these patients? Do we have reliable advanced diagnostic capabilities (histology/pathology)? If a cancer is confirmed, where do the patients go for treatment? Is the treatment covered by Mutuelle de santé, whether in Rwanda or abroad?Cedric, Kigali************************* I wish to inform Cedric and other readers that what is going on at Nakumatt in Kigali is an awareness/education/sensitisation campaign in recognition of October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” while emphasising the importance of early detection of this terrible disease.The screening being offered is Clinical Breast Exam by trained medical professionals which is recommended to be done once a year beginning at the age of 40 for women. Women are being encouraged to perform “Monthly Breast Self-Examination” to know their status so that if they experience any changes, they contact their doctor immediately instead of waiting for symptoms to show up. In other words, when breast cancer is detected early, before it spreads, it can be treated successfully.BCIEA is using what we have now – knowledge – to teach, touch and perhaps change lives while the government is striving to put in place sustainable cancer treatment infrastructure and specialised manpower. When abnormal lumps are identified, women are referred to the hospitals for treatment.In the first days of the exercise, 11 women – including a 14-year-old – were found to have lumps and they are all going to be diagnosed by a physician for more testing. We are very grateful for all our volunteers, supporters, especially Nakumatt for facilitating this worthy campaign. Every step we take makes a world of difference in the fight against breast cancer.Philippa Kibugu-Decuir,President of BCIEA Texas, United States

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Breast cancer is curable when it’s detected early