Marc Hagenimana
Rwanda Biomedical Centre , RwandaPresentation Title:
Rwanda Cancer Registry (RCR): Five-year report on cancer incidence, diagnosis, and implications for interventions
Abstract
Background
Historically, cancer incidence and mortality data in Rwanda were limited due to inefficiencies in registration and disruptions in registry operations. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health, through the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), in collaboration with partners, established the National Cancer Registry (NCR) in July 2018 and integrated it into the District Health Information System2 (DHIS2) for automated data collection, and enhance accuracy, and sustainability. This study analyzes cancer incidence, distribution, and trends from 2019 to 2023 to inform cancer control interventions.
Methodology
Cancer data were collected from five national cancer centers, 45 district hospitals, 25 private facilities, laboratories, and CRVS system. Cancer registrars and focal persons at hospital levels conducted data abstraction, coding, and entry using both active and passive surveillance methods. Cases were classified using ICD-O3. Data were first entered into the DHIS2-integrated cancer registry before being transferred to CanReg5 software for analysis. Quality control procedures were implemented using IARCcrg tools to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Results
Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 26,092 cancer cases were recorded (60% in women, 40% in men).
• Women: The most common cancers were breast cancer (31.3%) and cervical cancer (31.1%).
• Men: Prostate (22.6%) and stomach cancer (10%) were most prevalent.
• Most cases were diagnosed in individuals aged 50–69 years (40.4% in women, 37.98% in men).
• Cancer cases increased from 4,984 in 2019 to 5,565 in 2023, reflecting improved detection and reporting.
Conclusion
The rising cancer burden in Rwanda, particularly among women, highlights the urgent need for enhanced prevention, early detection, and treatment programs. To address these challenges, expanding screening programs, strengthening healthcare services, and reinforcing follow-up mechanisms will be crucial. The integration of cancer registry into DHIS2 has improved data accuracy, sustainability and facilitated evidence-based cancer control interventions.
Biography
Marc Hagenimana is a cancer diseases senior officer at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the implementing agency of Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. With over a decade of experience in cancer prevention and control, he has played a key role in developing Rwanda’s national cancer control plan, cervical cancer elimination strategies, and the national cancer registry. He has led initiatives in cervical cancer screening, breast cancer early detection, cancer epidemiology, surveillance, and research. Additionally, Marc serves as an external reviewer for CI5 with IARC and has contributed to international cancer research efforts. He holds an MPH from Clarke International University/Uganda.
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