Rwanda: Oncologist Warns of Rising Stomach Cancer in Young People

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a New Times report from Kigali dated July 22, 2026, says a senior Rwandan oncologist is warning that stomach cancer is being seen more often in younger patients, although it has traditionally been linked more strongly with older adults. Dr Eulade Rugengamanzi, clinical oncologist and Director General of Butaro Level II Teaching Hospital, urged people to seek care early when symptoms appear and to use screening where it is available and appropriate.

The report cites Global Cancer Observatory estimates published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in February 2024, which put stomach cancer as Rwanda’s fourth most common cancer in 2022, with an estimated 651 new cases. Rwanda had an estimated 7,122 new cancer cases and 4,887 cancer-related deaths that year, with prostate, cervical, breast, stomach and liver cancers leading in new diagnoses.

Rugengamanzi identified several risk factors for stomach cancer, including Helicobacter pylori infection, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic gastritis and family history. The report also notes warning signs that should prompt medical evaluation, such as persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, appetite loss, blood in vomit or stool, and ongoing indigestion.

The New Times report places the stomach cancer warning within a broader discussion of cancer screening in Rwanda. Rugengamanzi said screening guidance varies by cancer type and personal risk, and he pointed to cervical, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer services at health centres, district hospitals and selected referral hospitals. The article says Rwanda’s cervical cancer elimination programme is expanding access, while some other screening can be covered by RSSB health insurance when recommended by a doctor.