Breast cancer accounts for approximately 33% of all cancer cases among women in the Gaza Strip, amid concerns regarding a rise in undetected cases due to the disruption of screening and early diagnosis programs.
Approximately 13% of breast cancer cases result in death, highlighting the severity of the disease and the urgent need for early detection and treatment.
Around 11,000 cancer patients in the Gaza Strip face critical health conditions due to the decline in specialized medical services and the disruption of treatment protocols; meanwhile, about 4,000 patients hold medical referrals for treatment abroad but are prevented from accessing care by Israeli restrictions.
The mortality rate among cancer patients has reached three deaths per day due to the lack of appropriate treatment; shortages of oncology medications and interruptions in therapy threaten patients' lives and reduce their chances of survival.
61% of oncology medications are unavailable, and radiotherapy services are non-existent within the Strip; the suffering of female patients has been exacerbated by the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital and the European Hospital going out of service.
[Ak]