"Breast Cancer is Not a Death Sentence"

Diane Mukawera was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer at the age of 42.  As a practicing nurse, she was aware of the disease, but a discussion with a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer is what she believes saved her life.  

She was among the first oncology patients admitted at Partners In Health-supported Butaro District Hospital, which opened its doors in 2012 and is reimagining equitable cancer care not only in Rwanda—but across Africa. From 2012 to 2019, the hospital admitted 11,107 patients diagnosed with cancer, the most common type among adults being breast cancer. 

Butaro District Hospital provides free cancer care services to all, including: pathology-based diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, referral for radiotherapy, socioeconomic support, a 68-bed hostel for patients and their families, and screening and early detection services.  

While not all of these services were available at the time Mukawera arrived in 2013, she fondly remembers the quality care she received at the hands of staff at Inshuti Mu Buzima, as PIH is known in Rwanda. This is her story, which she chose to tell to convey a lifesaving message: Breast cancer is not a death sentence; early diagnosis saves lives.

Read the full story via below link.