Introduction

Abstract

This chapter serves as a prelude to the book “Cancer in the Arab World”. It outlines general cancer care approaches of included Arab countries. The complications and future perspectives in oncology care services along with the explanation of shortcomings in the respective countries have also been comprehended in this edition.

Access to advanced cancer care services in the West Bank-occupied Palestinian territory

“…In the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), the focus of this study, cancer was the second leading cause of death in 2017 and 2019 ( 12 , 13 ). Similar to other conflict-affected areas, access to cancer care in the oPt is hampered by numerous impediments.…”

“…Cancer treatment in the West Bank is mainly provided in small oncology units in three Palestinian governmental hospitals in addition to newly established oncology units in two private hospitals that are contracted by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) ( 12 , 13 ). The governmental oncology units lack specialized pathology laboratories, and advanced diagnostic and imaging facilities.…”

“…They mainly offer chemotherapy treatment and some surgical care. Moreover, there is no radiation therapy in any of the West Bank hospitals (these are not permitted by Israeli authorities) and patients who need radiotherapy are usually referred to East Jerusalem or hospitals in Israel ( 12 , 13 , 19 ). Referrals for cancer patients to East Jerusalem, Israel and neighboring countries are also provided for advanced diagnostic services such as nuclear medicine scanning and advanced treatment ( 12 , 19 , 20 ).…”

“…To access cancer services that are not available in hospitals within Palestinian Authority areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, cancer patients from West Bank and Gaza Strip need special Israeli permits to access these services at an East-Jerusalem Palestinian-led hospital with comprehensive oncology services ( 12 , 13 , 20 ). The process for obtaining Israeli permits is lengthy, confusing, and entails a lot of uncertainty ( 17 , 20 , 21 ).…”

Cancer registration in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region: A tale of conflict, challenges, and opportunities

“…In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, colorectal and lung cancers are the most prevalent in men, and breast and thyroid cancers are most prevalent in women. In the rest of the MENAT region, lung, liver, and prostate cancers are the most common in men, whereas breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers are the most common in women ( 4 ). This rising burden of cancer in the region necessitates clear and well-developed national and regional cancer control plans.…”