RCR Story
Who we are.
Rwanda Cancer Relief (RCR) is a non-profit non-governmental organization, provisionally accredited by the Rwandan Governance Board (RGB), with legal personality no.728/NGO/LP/01/2021.
RCR’s mission is to ensure that people affected with cancer have access to a high standard of treatment and support, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Based on research and evidence that show an ever-increasing number of cancers in our country, Rwanda Children Cancer Relief (RCCR) changed its name and scope to Rwanda Cancer Relief (RCR) with an aim to cater to not only children but also adults diagnosed with cancer.
Our Mission & Vision.
Childhood & Adult Cancer Burden.
We are carrying out a number of projects in areas of public education, research, and psychological support. These include research investigating the knowledge of healthcare on cancers that affect children and adults.
We organize an annual walk to raise awareness on common cancers, we run radio and television talk shows which are directed to the general population so as to increase awareness on cancer. We do hospital visits where we provide basic necessities and moral support to patients on treatment and their caretakers
Global Burden
Each year, about 150,000-200,000 children and 17.1 million adults all over the world are diagnosed with cancer and 80% of those diagnosed by cancer live in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the success in treating cancer in developed countries, there are still decimal survival rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Rwanda.
This is mainly due to the lack of new therapies and other infrastructures that are developed in high-income countries but not implemented in LMICs. This low survival rate is also attributed to relapse, abandonment of therapy, death from toxicity secondary to suboptimal supportive care, delayed diagnosis, and other factors like malnutrition and poverty.
Cancer in Rwanda
Precise data on cancer incidence and mortality is unavailable because a cancer-specific population-based registry was resumed only in 2018. However, GLOBOCAN 2018 estimated a total of 10,704 cancer cases and 7,662 deaths.
Cancer incidences are expected to increase globally, and with that increase comes the inevitable need to consider cancer as a significant and growing public health concern that requires attention, investment, and prioritization by the government and by nongovernmental and international organizations working in Rwanda.
6+ Successful Projects
10+ Outreach Programs
200+ Mentorship Sessions
550+ Supported Patients
Our Achievements.
2016
RCR adhered as a member to the Union for International Cancer Control.
During the childhood cancers awareness month, one small-scale survey was carried out seeking to understand the level of knowledge and awareness of the general public towards childhood cancers. One more research paper is in the pipeline, and an abstract has been presented at this year’s edition of the Société Internationale d’oncologie Pediatrique (SIOP) Africa conference, 2017 in Marrakesh, morocco. The study came from observations made in September 2016, regarding the use of social media to reach out to the general public for awareness purposes.
2017
The organization adhered to the Rwanda non-communicable diseases alliance – an umbrella organization regrouping various non-governmental organizations involved in the fight, at different levels, of NCDs in general.
On World Cancer Day, February 4th, recreational activity for children admitted at the pediatric ward of the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence was carried out. The main objectives were to spend the day with the children, create bonds, discuss with the parents, and answer possible questions. This activity has also been an occasion to distribute personal hygiene necessities, various playing gifts to the children, and more. The highlight of the visit was an emotional testimony given by one cancer survivor, that helped stir the hope of the children and their families.
2020
World Cancer Day
Inaugurated the first national cancer symposium which was launched
in February 2020 on World Cancer Day.
2021
Introduction of scientific symposia which focus on setting a baseline of knowledge in cancer biology and radiobiology, understanding the different roles and responsibilities of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, and how they work together to determine the best treatment options for patients with cancer.
The main goal of these symposia is to improve patient care through the delivery of education in globally accepted standards of multidisciplinary cancer management while remaining grounded in and relevant to the needs and interests of the local audience and their setting. RCR organized the 1st uro-oncology symposium in 2021, and we are planning to host more in the coming year on Breast, gynaeoncology, and GIT.
2022
Writing Contest
Organization of the 1st edition of “RCR writing contest”