Editor, 

I WISH to respond to Fidel Rubagumya’s article, "It’s time we took cancer as a common concern” (The New Times, March 26).

It was a generally good piece. However I wish to make the following comments:

1. Medical checkup for any symptoms persisting for more than two weeks is highly advisable for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer;  

2. Cancer management involves many special disciplines: medical radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists…and all play an important role; 

3. Cancer management depends on the type of cancer and its location and may involve surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A combination of two or all three treatment options can be used when necessary. 

In Rwanda, we can provide cancer treatment in form of surgery or chemotherapy. Patients who require radiotherapy as a form of treatment are referred outside the country.

Dr Rajab Mugabo,Rwanda