"Why do I walk? I walk because breast cancer is not just a disease; it's a relentless burden that we must collectively address. In Rwanda, as in many parts of Africa, breast cancer is not just a health crisis; it's an economic crisis. It's not just a concern; it's a catastrophe. It's a crisis that demands our attention, action, and unity. It is a growing crisis that must stop.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, but in Rwanda, it's the number one killer. According to Globocan 2020, Rwanda has an incidence rate of 41.0 per 100,000 and a mortality rate of 19.4 per 100,000. These s are not just statistics; they represent mothers, grandmothers, aunties, daughters, sisters, and friends who are suffering. Men too suffer from breast cancer. Can you imagine 2019 – 2022 BCIEA lost 16 breast cancer patients to breast cancer, alone not mentioning those who died across the country.
Recent findings have uncovered disparities in access to effective treatment, limited resources, and a lack of awareness about this devastating disease.
What's truly alarming is that historically, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have had lower breast cancer rates than high-income countries (HICs). However, in Rwanda, the incidence rate amplifies the weight of this burden. It's the result of complex social, economic, and cultural factors, as well as country-specific circumstances.
Several factors converge to create the breast cancer crisis, including shifting risk factor patterns, evolving health priorities, obstacles in early detection, and a shortage of comprehensive treatment programs. An integral part of addressing this challenge is raising awareness, and this responsibility falls upon each of us.
It's crucial for individuals to be intimately acquainted with their bodies to promptly identify any unusual changes and seek medical assistance when needed. This proactive approach to healthcare is a fundamental behavior that should never be underestimated. It commences with self-love, an acknowledgment of the value of one's own life.
BCIEA's poignant taglines serve as constant reminders: "Ikunde = Love Yourself, Imenye = Know Yourself, Isuzumishe = Get Checked." These three simple yet powerful phrases were introduced to 27 women back in 2007. Despite a temporary hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have successfully extended this knowledge to 25,000 women, men, and youth by 2022. Our mission continues, and with your invaluable support, we aspire to reach the entire population of Rwanda, totaling 12 million, to impart these life-saving lessons to all. Together, we can make a substantial impact on breast cancer awareness and prevention.
The enormity of this issue can no longer be brushed aside. Breast cancer is a mounting burden that demands immediate, collective action. Its impact extends far beyond the individuals directly battling the disease; it ripples through families, communities, and the entire nation. This formidable challenge strikes women in the prime of their productive years, often engaged in various roles that not only sustain themselves but also support their families and communities. A diagnosis of cancer brings about profound, life-altering changes, frequently resulting in job losses or the closure of businesses, further compounding the challenges they face.
"Why do I walk? I walk with purpose, driven by the urgency of a major health crisis - breast cancer. It's a call to action, a resounding question we all must ask ourselves. We stand at a crossroads, where raising awareness, advocating for equitable healthcare access, and supporting groundbreaking research and initiatives become our shared responsibility.
The time has come for us to shoulder the weight of accountability and invest in our own well-being by seeking solutions to the challenges posed by breast cancer. Together, we possess the power to alleviate the burden of this devastating disease, save lives, and ensure a brighter, healthier future for every individual in Rwanda.
Join us on October 15, for our annual Ulinzi Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, where we unite to combat this formidable adversary. As we stride together, we ignite conversations, foster brainstorming sessions, share transformative ideas, drive innovation, and elevate breast cancer to a topic of discussion around coffee and dinner tables alike. Together, we can continue this relentless pursuit until tangible change is achieved.”
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The writer is a breast cancer survivor and Founder/CEO BCIEA Inc.