While working as a midwife at King Faisal Hospital, Haston Charlotte discovered a small, painless lump in her left breast during a self-examination. Alarmed by her findings, she promptly sought medical advice, leading to further examinations that raised suspicion of breast cancer.

After surgery to remove the lump, she received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.

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Facing a difficult decision regarding a mastectomy – surgery to remove a breast, Charlotte ultimately opted for surgical procedure to prevent the cancer from spreading. Following her recovery, she began chemotherapy—a harsh treatment that left her physically weakened, causing hair loss and emotional turmoil. Chemotherapy is treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

Despite the challenges, Charlotte found solace in connecting with breast cancer survivor Philippa Kibugu, who provided her with a breast prosthesis, an artificial breast form that replaces the shape of all or part of the breast that has been removed, boosting her confidence. For women who have had a mastectomy, breast prostheses are designed to be comfortable and feminine. With the support of family, friends, and fellow cancer patients, Charlotte navigated the emotional landscape of her illness. After eight months of treatment, she was declared cancer-free. That was in May 2015.

Regular check-ups followed, providing peace of mind. Charlotte emphasises the importance of health, reflecting on her journey with gratitude and a newfound appreciation for life, urging others to cherish their well-being.

Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, the Director of the Cancer Programme at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said that breast self-examination is a valuable tool for women to become familiar with their breast tissue and notice any changes early.

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"While it is not a substitute for professional screenings, it empowers individuals to take an active role in their health. Early detection of abnormalities, such as lumps or changes in breast tissue, can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment,” he said.

Regular self-exams also help women develop breast self-awareness, making it easier to distinguish between normal tissue and new changes that might require further investigation by a healthcare provider, Dr Maniragaba noted.

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To perform a breast self-examination, he said, begin with a visual inspection in front of a mirror, looking for any changes in size, shape, or appearance.

Next, raise your arms to inspect for any dimpling or puckering.

For a thorough check, lie flat on your back and use a circular motion with your fingertips to examine both breasts, paying attention to the area between the breast and armpit. Finally, gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge, he added.

Dr Maniragaba stressed that breast self-exams should be done once a month, ideally at the same time each month.

"For menstruating women, the best time to perform a breast self-examination is a few days after your period ends when the breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. For women who do not menstruate, picking a specific day each month for the exam is recommended,” he added.

Dr Fidel Rubagumya, the founder and board chair of Rwanda Cancer Relief (RCR), said that early detection is important because when cancer is detected at an early stage while still confined to the breast, the chances of cure after treatment are very high.

"It can also mean less extensive treatment, such as surgeries where a breast mass can be removed and spared, while when breast cancer is detected at advanced stages, either surgery is not possible because the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or it is so advanced within the breast that it warrants removal (mastectomy) of the whole breast,” he explained.

When there is a breast mass or lump, he said, one may notice it during regular self-inspection.

Additionally, skin changes are typically present in cases of cancer.

However, he cautions, the left and right breasts typically differ in size. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of one’s normality and abnormalities.