Rural women face risks of uterine cancer

Rwamagana–A team of medics has found out that at least one out of ten women have symptoms of uterine cancer.The physicians from Partners In Health (PIH) working with Butaro and Rwinkwavu hospitals, have been diagnosing hundreds of women above 30 years.According to Dr. Elmernie Uwikeza, they had been conducting routine tests to detect uterine cancer before it causes symptoms.Dr. Uwikeza disclosed that cancer is normally supposed to be monitored in stages, adding that it was coincidental that in most cases of uterine cancer, symptoms spring up at an early stage.She noted that the team was overwhelmed by the number of women who turned up for the tests.“We found out at least one woman in ten with advanced stage of uterine cancer, while four out of the same number showed its signs. Staging is important to help a doctor plan treatment and estimate the outcome. In general, the lower the stage, the more likely it is that the cancer can be cured,” she disclosed.Uwikeza mentioned that the high turnout of women was a positive sign of awareness among rural women.“The National Cancer Control Programme emphasises the importance of early detection and treatment. There is an organised screening programme. It is good that awareness about the disease is no longer an issue”.The coordinator of Family Planning programme in Rwamagana District, Angelique Ntirushwa reiterated that uterine cancer was vividly high among women.“Doctors are still carrying on tests...five in 30 are found with signs of cancer. Yesterday, we had almost the same figures. We do counselling before tests. I am happy that women are courageous enough to take what tests reveal,” she commented.A local resident, Donatira Uwitonze, 32, said cancer was becoming a major threat to women of all ages.“I fear the disease may infect us all...it is as if there is no escape route since there are many ways of getting the disease. I went with several women for testing, but two of my neighbours were found to have signs of cancer,” she bemoaned.