Dear editor, Christine Rusagara’s call to help a cancer victim is indeed meaningful. However, the concern should be general, because very few women (if they are there) know the necessary precautions. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Black women. Currently, there is no proven way to prevent breast cancer. The best way a woman can protect herself is by practicing early detection and reducing her known risk factors. Women in Africa are more likely to develop breast cancer and die because the disease is not detected early enough. When breast cancer is found and treated early, before it has spread beyond the breast, the five-year survival rate increases (according to specialists). Scientists go on to tell us that the combination of monthly breast self examinations, yearly clinical breast examinations and regular mammograms beginning at age 40 are the best ways to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Unfortunately, early detection of breast cancer, which saves lives, is not practical in developing countries. You will hardly find women in Rwanda for example adhering to this advice. MUSANZE
