Dear readers,

The recent Ulinzi Walk was staged in Kigali to promote awareness of one of the most common cancers in Rwandan women, breast cancer. Health workers, survivors and supporters participated with the aim to sensitise people on early detection as the best protection against cancer.

According to statistics at Butaro Cancer Centre, breast cancer accounts for 40.3 per cent of all cancer diagnosed in the country, a worrying figure to say the least. As medical experts struggle to find its cause, in our lead story this week, women are advised to go for screening as early as possible because this could save their lives in the long run and perhaps the lives of other family members that might be in harm’s way for genetic reasons.

Phillipa Kibugu owes her life to early detection. After losing her sister to the dreadful disease, she dedicated herself to research on breast cancer, a move that pushed her towards her own screening. Sharp pain, a lump, a mastectomy, and nine rounds of chemotherapy later, Kibugu was finally cancer free.

As a way to raise awareness of the disease that could have claimed her life, Kibugu founded Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa Inc (BCIEA), a project that empowers women through awareness, education and early detection workshops.

Have a great weekend.

Rachel Garuka