Between April 14 and May 22, 2025, Rwanda carried out an intensive breast and cervical cancer screening campaign in the districts of Bugesera and Kicukiro, marking a critical step forward in the country’s efforts to detect and treat cancer early among women.
The initiative, led by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, aimed to screen 75,277 women. By the end of the campaign period, over 123,000 screenings had been conducted for both cervical and breast cancers, significantly contributing to early detection and life-saving intervention.
In the cervical cancer screening component, 56,041 women were tested for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer. Of those tested, 8,728 women were found to be HPV positive, with 1,065 women receiving treatment for precancerous lesions.
Further diagnostic procedures were also conducted, with 62 women undergoing cervical biopsies. Ultimately, 27 women were confirmed to have cervical cancer, and timely referrals for care were initiated.
On the breast cancer front, 67,065 women underwent clinical breast examinations during the same campaign. Among them, 950 cases showed abnormal results requiring further investigation.
Out of this group, 55 women underwent breast biopsies, leading to the confirmation of 26 breast cancer cases. The data underscores the significance of regular screenings, especially in catching cancer at stages when it is most treatable.
The campaign reflects a broader national health strategy to reduce the cancer burden among Rwandan women through early detection, improved awareness, and accessible treatment pathways.
Health professionals on the ground have continued urging women who have not yet been screened to visit their nearest health facility before June 13, 2025, to take advantage of the free screening services still being offered.
These results not only highlight the prevalence of cervical and breast cancers in the targeted districts but also point to the growing success of community mobilization and health outreach in Rwanda.
The timely detection and treatment of precancerous conditions and confirmed cancer cases demonstrate the value of such public health campaigns in saving lives and strengthening national healthcare outcomes.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre reminds all eligible women to act quickly and prioritize their health. With continued public cooperation and support, Rwanda is steadily moving closer to a future where preventable cancers are caught early and treated effectively.
