Feature: Intensify Breast Cancer fight

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). According to Philippa Kibugu-Decuir, a 17-breast cancer survivor and Founder of Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA Inc), breast cancer remains the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. However, Rwanda does not have statistics for breast cancer but plans are underway to have them in the near future after a population study takes place. Although there are no statistics, cases of breast cancer in Rwanda exist and need attention. Dr. Ben Karenzi, the Director of Kanombe Military Hospital said, “the country does not even have Oncologists although there are plans of bringing in one very soon.” He said most patients are referred to other countries for treatment, which is expensive. “There are no medics that are specialized in treating cancer. However, we hope to start offering radiotherapy cancer treatment in the near future and also get Cancer Medical Specialists,” said Dr. Karenzi. The Minister of Health, Agnes Binagwaho stated that they expect one Oncologist to arrive in the country before the year ends. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It comprises of 22.9 percent of all cancers worldwide among women, and the numbers are getting high. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7 percent of cancer deaths in women).here is need for more awareness about the signs, causes and prevention measures of breast cancer. This way, people will be able to detect when they are victims of this deadly disease. With early detection, one will be able to have early treatment thus high chances of curing. Breast cancer is attributed to dietary habits, lifestyle such as smoking, drinking alcohol and physical inactivity. Genetic factors where females with a history of cancer face a higher risk of contracting the disease. Other causes of breast cancer include; environmental factors like exposure to radiation and, hormonal factors among in girls who start their periods at an early age of 12 years or younger. Women should also be encouraged to go for screening and learn how to self-diagnose and check their breasts for any signs of breast cancer. There have been campaigns about cervical cancer that have made progress and created awareness among the masses. According to Doctor Fidel Ngabo, the Director of Maternal and Child Health at Ministry of Health, a campaign to fight cervical cancer is ongoing because of its scourge in Rwanda. “After dealing with cervical cancer, we will embark on a campaign against breast cancer and implement other strategies to fight it. We haven’t ignored it,” Ngabo said. The same energy exerted to combat cervical cancer should shift to breast cancer as well. Breast cancer affects everybody so we should all play a part in creating awareness and help the affected during and after the breast cancer month. m.kaitesi@yahoo.com