Multidisciplinary management (MDM) of cancer patients provides better care and is recommended by all authorities and published guidelines. There is very little documentation of MDM practices in low and middle income countries. A survey of 338 practicing oncology specialists from various Arab countries was conducted at four major pan-Arab oncology conferences in the first half of 2010. While 72% of respondents reported having an MDM tumor board, only 49% reported that their tumor boards met on a weekly basis. Of those who do not have a tumor board, 57% attend a tumor board meeting at another hospital within their country. 60% of respondents attend tumor board meetings to seek group opinion and help in the management of their patients. 93% of physicians surveyed agreed that tumor boards should be mandatory. The vast majority of physicians agreed that in the absence of all specialties, "mini tumor boards" should be organized between available specialists at all hospitals that treat cancer patients.

Published data from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region indicate suboptimal quality of cancer care, while the World Health Organization predicts an increase in cancer cases in developing countries. Major advances in breast cancer management mandate the development of guidelines to improve the quality and efficacy of oncology practice in the MENA region. A Breast Cancer Regional Guidelines Committee was organized and activated, comprising experts from various regional cancer institutions. The multidisciplinary team included 12 medical oncologists, 3 radiation oncologists, 2 radiologists, 2 surgeons, and 1 pathologist. The committee members agreed on adapting the current NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women, with an increasing incidence worldwide, especially in developing countries such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.1-3 However, the mortality rate has declined dramatically in developed on Breast Cancer for use in the MENA region to achieve common practice standards for treating patients. The members suggested several modifications to the guidelines, especially those related to risk factor profiles. United States-based NCCN experts reviewed these recommendations before final approval. The MENA-NCCN Breast Cancer Guidelines modification process was the first initiative in the development of common practice guidelines in the region. This project may serve as a foundation for the development of evidence-based practice standards, and improve collaborative projects and initiatives. (JNCCN 2010;8[Suppl 3]:S8-S15)

BackgroundFemale doctors are increasingly choosing oncology as a career while they are still under-represented in leadership positions globally. The European Society of Medical Oncology has recently surveyed its members regarding gender equality in the work place. Limited data are available from the Middle East. The aim of our study was to survey female oncologists practicing in the Middle East to identify common challenges and suggest areas for improvement.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was distributed among female participants attending the annual Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology meeting in March 2018, and in the Pan-Arab annual meeting in April 2018. The questionnaire used included questions assessing sociodemographic characteristics, involvement in leadership and academic positions and the impact of career on family life.ResultsOverall, 88 questionnaires were collected from women practicing all over the Middle East. 59% reported that a male doctor was responsible for the work team; however, 57% covered a managerial or leadership role within their job. 64% of the female oncologists believed that their gender had at least moderate, significant and even major impact on their career. Participants reported that their careers have a considerable impact on their relationship with friends and social networking (49%) and their family and marriage (44%). 58% report having problems with finding balance between work and family, and 50% find barriers to attend international meetings. Several ways to improve were suggested, 56% voted for offering development and leadership training specifically women, 45% suggested implementing a flexible work schedule.ConclusionIn what is considered a male dominant environment, gender equality according to female oncologists working in the Middle East, is very comparable to the world data provided. Several strategies have been identified to continue progress in this domain with the aim to improve academic leadership opportunities and work-life balance for all.

As Jordanians celebrate the 100th years (1921–2021) anniversary of the state of Jordan, a centenary of achievements and successes of those populations, which is equivalent to 0.13% of the total world inhabitants (Jordan Population, worldometers.info 2021), cancer burden in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a challenge, as well as a success. Despite several initiatives, Jordan does not have an endorsed National Cancer Control Strategic Plan (NCCP), which is one of the top primacies in the national cancer control issue in Jordan.Cancer care in Jordan is well established and attentive on the treatment section, with more effort needed on other elements of the cancer continuum. Jordan has a national cancer registry. However, it is not enough to collect complete, accurate, and timely cancer data.In Jordan, the government bears the cost of treating cancer patients. Cancer treatment is offered at no cost to all Jordanian citizens holding a national number through public hospitals of the MOH mainly in Al Basheer Hospital. The Royal Medical Services (military), university hospitals, and King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) treat the cancer patients with special arrangements of acquittal health exemption from the royal court or the health insurance administration to cover the cost of the treatment. A full spectrum of treatment is available in the private health sector too.The health care system in Jordan is one of the best reputable and trustworthy prominent health care systems in the MENA region, if not, it is globally well known. Wide-ranging oncology care is available in many public and private hospitals and health care facilities and clinics. Jordan will always be open to all its Arab fellows, at the same time open for new and up-to-date innovations, cooperation, and collaboration with cancer scholars.

Background Burnout (BO) among oncology professionals (OP) is increasingly being recognized. Early recognition and intervention can positively affect the quality of care and patient safety. This study investigated the prevalence, work and lifestyle factors affecting BO among OPs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Methods An online survey was conducted among MENA OPs between 10 February and 15 March 2020, using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA), including questions regarding demography/work‐related factors and attitudes towards oncology. Data were analysed to measure BO prevalence and risk factors and explore a screening question for BO. Results Of 1054 respondents, 1017 participants (64% medical oncologists, 77% aged less than 45 years, 55% female, 74% married, 67% with children and 40% practiced a hobby) were eligible. The BO prevalence was 68% with high levels of EE and DP (35% and 57% of participants, respectively) and low PA scores (49%). BO was significantly associated with age less than 44 years, administrative work greater than 25% per day and the thought of quitting oncology (TQ). Practising a hobby, enjoying oncology communication and appreciating oncology work–life balance were associated with a reduced BO score and prevalence. North African countries reported the highest BO prevalence. Lack of BO education/support was identified among 72% of participants and TQ‐predicted burnout in 77%. Conclusions This is the largest BO study in MENA. The BO prevalence was high and several modifiable risk factors were identified, requiring urgent action. TQ is a simple and reliable screening tool for BO.