The data, covering new cancer cases diagnosed in 2023, were released on February 3, 2026, during RBC's National Cancer Symposium, convened to discuss strategies and pathways to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer by 2027.
In total, 5,635 new cancer cases were recorded in 2023. Among women, breast cancer topped the list with 719 new cases, compared to just 32 men diagnosed with the disease. Among men, prostate cancer was most prevalent, with 525 new cases.
Cervical cancer followed, with 664 new cases among women. Stomach cancer affected 271 women and 222 men. Liver cancer ranked fifth, with 195 men and 186 women diagnosed. Sixth was colorectal cancer, with 185 women and 145 men affected.
Blood cancers also ranked highly: leukaemia was diagnosed in 145 women and 158 men, while lymphoma affected 135 women and 114 men. Lung cancer was ninth, with 104 women and 76 men diagnosed, and oral cancer ranked tenth, affecting 60 women and 99 men.
RBC Director General Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi highlighted Rwanda's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027. Currently, nine of the country's 30 districts have already achieved this milestone.
'Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among our mothers, sisters, and daughters. Yet it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer," he said, adding, "For Rwanda, eliminating cervical cancer is not only a public health priority, it is a matter of equity, of defending women's rights, and of securing the health of future generations'
This goal aligns with the internationally recognised "90-70-90" targets: 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women should be screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease should receive treatment. Rwanda has already exceeded the vaccination target, reached approximately 31% of the screening goal, and achieved 81% of the treatment target.
The estimated cost to fully achieve this goal is $27.8 million. RBC remains optimistic, citing strong government commitment and recent expansions in cancer care, including at Mituweli Hospital.
Dr. Maniragaba Théoneste, Director of the cancer control unit at RBC, emphasised the importance of early screening, noting that cervical cancer is highly treatable if detected in its initial stages.
'When detected at stage one or two, cancer can be cured before it spreads to other organs, such as the liver or brain. Early detection saves lives,' he said.
While the virus that causes cervical cancer (HPV) is sexually transmitted, symptoms of the disease may not appear for a decade or more. Donathile Akayezu, who recovered from cervical cancer last year, shared that she initially mistook her symptoms for a routine infection. Only after testing was the cancer detected.
'At first, I felt hopeless, but after treatment, I recovered and returned to my normal life. I continue regular check-ups but no longer take medication,' she said.
Efforts to eliminate cervical cancer continue to focus on vaccinating children and raising awareness among women about the importance of regular screening.
IGIHE
