On Sunday, Rwanda observed the annul National Cancer Survivors Day, an occasion to reflect on cancer, one of the top non communicable killer diseases worldwide, which saw cancer survivors share their experiences and insights on how best the different types of cancers can be tackled.

The day is used to raise public awareness about cancer and what should be done to help control the prevalence of lifestyle diseases, also known as diseases of longevity.

It is also a day to celebrate the bravery of cancer survivors the world over, and to learn from their resilience and towering example in the fight against different types of cancers; to advocate for easier access to early detection services, treatment and care; and to encourage open debate about the dangers of cancer ailments, their devastating impact on individuals, their families and country, and how best to tackle them.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Rwanda, and, like most other non communicable diseases, it has been reported that most sufferers seek medical attention when it’s too late.

For instance, recent figures indicate that 57 per cent of breast cancer victims show up for screening when the ailment is in its second last stage or third stage, thereby complicating survival chances.

Early detection of any disease, let alone cancer, is a key tool in successful treatment. 

It is, therefore, imperative that the government, civil society organisations, religious denominations, schools, community-based organizations, and local leaders, among others, up their game in helping to raise public awareness about these non-communicable and lifestyle diseases by encouraging behavioral change, including popularizing healthy nutrition, early screening and intake of medicine as prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner.

Efforts should also be employed in availing equal access to detection services, treatment, and care, including palliative care.

It is through this that more members of the public will seek early cancer screenings, alleviate the burden at the household and macro level in case of late detection and loss of life, and most importantly, prevent avoidable deaths.