The book captures the emotional journeys of those facing the disease, highlighting resilience, courage, and the human connections that sustain people through some of life's toughest moments.
Speaking during an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Rubagumya shared that his work is deeply personal. He lost his mother to cancer when he was only 11 years old, a loss that shaped his decision to pursue medicine and eventually specialise in oncology.
'Every patient who enters my room, I see my mom's face,' he explains. 'I take care of that person as if I'm treating my mother.'
In the interview, Dr. Rubagumya explained that during his early years, he did not know the exact cause of his mother's death due to limited medical records and the state of healthcare in Rwanda at the time, as the country was still recovering from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It was only during his clinical rotations in medical school, when he revisited the hospital where she had been treated, that he learned she had died of cancer. This revelation, coming years after her passing, changed his career path from aspiring surgeon to dedicated oncologist.
'Without passion and empathy, medicine would be just any other business,' he said. 'Because of my background, I approach every patient with care and responsibility.'
That sense of empathy drives both his medical practice and his reflections in Beyond Cancer. It also inspired him to co‑found Rwanda Cancer Relief, a nonprofit organisation established in 2012 to support cancer patients across Rwanda.
Initially focused on childhood cancers, the organisation now supports patients of all ages through awareness campaigns, educational programs for healthcare professionals, patient support, including assistance with treatment costs when needed, and research to improve cancer care in the country.
'We support patients with indirect costs or the 10% co‑pay for Mutuelle patients who can't afford it,' he says, noting that through these efforts, Rwanda Cancer Relief helps reduce financial barriers and provides critical support to patients and families navigating the challenges of cancer.
Cancer remains a major health challenge in Rwanda. According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), breast cancer is the leading cancer among women, while prostate cancer is the most common among men. In 2023, 5,635 new cancer cases were recorded, including 719 breast cancer cases, 525 prostate cancer cases, and 664 cervical cancer cases. Stigma, late diagnoses, and financial constraints continue to impact patient outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, support, and accessible treatment, issues that Beyond Cancer brings to life through personal stories.
In the new book, Dr. Rubagumya shares stories of patients confronting life-altering diagnoses, families navigating fear and uncertainty, and caregivers showing unwavering dedication despite limited resources.
Through these stories, he shines a light on the social and emotional ripple effects of cancer, how it touches not only the body but entire families and communities. Readers encounter accounts of women struggling with stigma, parents fighting for their children's treatment, and patients drawing strength from those around them.
Beyond documenting hardship, Beyond Cancer celebrates hope and resilience. It reveals how patients and families navigate challenges, from financial struggles to emotional strain, and how courage, compassion, and human connection often become as vital as medical treatment.
The book also emphasises the importance of raising awareness about cancer, encouraging readers to support patients, reduce stigma, and recognise that a diagnosis is not the end of life, but the beginning of a challenging journey that can still hold meaning and possibility.
Beyond Cancer is set to officially launch on Thursday, February 12, 2025. Dr. Rubagumya said the book will be available as hard copies in major bookstores and libraries in Kigali, as well as a soft copy on Amazon. All proceeds from the book will go to Rwanda Cancer Relief, supporting patient care, awareness campaigns, and research initiatives. Readers can also place direct orders for delivery by contacting +250 786 525 322.
Watch the full video below to learn more about Dr. Rubagumya's inspiring journey.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
