Let us remain vigilant in the fight against Breast Cancer

February 4, was World Cancer Day. Survival rates in high income countries like US are 90 percent for breast, prostate and testicular cancers. However, life giving progress is yet to reach low income countries like Rwanda. (Felecia Knaul 2012). As a cancer survivor, I have a strong bias against breast cancer. Our challenge is to remain vigilant in our campaign to fight breast cancer regardless of the many hurdles before us operating under the premise that knowledge is power. With knowledge, we become active. We can even adopt the World Cancer Theme “Together it is possible” and join the Union for International Cancer Control. At least now we know that we cannot just sit and wait until all the cancer resources and infrastructures are in place. Effective cancer risk reduction strategies are available to adopt. The battle against breast cancer or all cancers begins with each one of us. “Ikunde, Imenye, Isuzumishe”: We should all be excited and encouraged by the work and positive vibes from the Rwanda Ministry of Health. The health minister, Dr Agnes Binagwaho has acknowledged that there is a lack of cancer specialists in the country; not even one oncologist to address the burden of cancer. But she has promised to bring about necessary changes—that is progress. Two senior medical students at Butare University are very keen on specializing in oncology—they will need scholarships. These are implications that we are moving in the right direction.So what can you do to keep hope alive and accelerate the fight against breast cancer? First, we have to break the silence, against the myths, stigma and misinformation that surrounds this disease. We must read, talk and share life-saving information and become informed citizens. This is why BCIEA is dedicated to increasing awareness and education about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Through this process people understand risk factors, how they can reduce the risk. Women need to learn and practice the three methods that enhance early detection namely: self awareness through Breast Self Examination, Clinical Breast Examination, by a doctor and Mammogram where available. Promoting prevention is imperative; besides, it is supposed to be more cost effective than treatment. If you ask me as a survivor, this idea resonates with me; diet and exercise are better options than Chemotherapy! Yet again only an informed consumer is likely to make these lifestyle choices, so education becomes the key to effective prevention. It has been proven that prevention can play a major role in reducing the burden of cancer. This is underscored by the fact that nearly two-thirds of all cancers are related to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as tobacco and alcohol use; poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. Quality health education for youth can provide an excellent opportunity for instilling lifelong habits that protect against cancer in general. Already, Rwanda promotes investment in youth for a better future so including cancer prevention in the health curriculum would only enhance the educational outcomes. Rwanda is to be commended for reducing second hand smoking impact with a law on “No Smoking” in almost all public places. However, we have a long way to go with improving health behaviour because of lack of information (that would assist planning) to indicate how many adults and youth are: 1. Currently smoking, 2. Over weight, 3. Do not participate in leisure time physical activity or moderate physical activity on an ongoing basis, 4. Eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.Our fight against breast cancer will be achieved only if we have strong collaboration among community groups, support from elected members and the spirit of volunteerism throughout the nation and the entire East African region. Through collaboration with health and medical sectors; education, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and support will be accessible to all women. Advocacy efforts must also be made to influence public policies with special focus on laws to: improve access to resources and services for early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer; increase funding and incentives for research to prevent and cure breast cancer; regulate use, sale, marketing and advertizing of tobacco products particularly to youth; and establish a diet and exercise program at the village level. By leading the way in breast health education, advocacy, research and services, we will change and save lives and improve quality of life in Rwanda. We are all stakeholders in facing breast and other cancers today. Will you play your part?The author is a Breast Cancer Survivor and Founder of BCIEA Inc.www.breastcancerafrica.orgwww.ulinziwalk.org