Rwanda: Oncologist Warns of Rising Stomach Cancer in Young People
An oncologist in Rwanda reports an increase in stomach cancer diagnoses among younger patients. Experts emphasize the importance of early screening and awareness of risk factors like H. pylori infection and lifestyle habits.
Why it matters
The shift in age demographics for stomach cancer highlights a growing public health challenge in developing regions that requires updated screening protocols.
Stomach cancer, once largely associated with older adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people in Rwanda, according to a leading oncologist, who has urged the public to seek early screening and medical attention when symptoms appear.
The disease was Rwanda's fourth most common cancer in 2022, with an estimated 651 new cases, according to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in February 2024.
Dr Eulade Rugengamanzi, a clinical oncologist and Director General of Butaro Level II Teaching Hospital, said he has observed a shift in the age profile of stomach cancer patients.
"We are now seeing stomach cancer among younger people," he said.
Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic gastritis and a family history of the disease.
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