Gaza, Palestine – The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza have created a devastating crisis for breast cancer patients, severely hindering access to timely diagnosis and treatment. The blockade, coupled with the war’s disruption of essential healthcare services, has resulted in a significant decline in the availability of vital medical resources, escalating the risk of delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment options for women suffering from this prevalent cancer globally. Esad Darwish, a 42-year-old resident of Deir el-Balah, Gaza, exemplifies this crisis, highlighting the profound challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals in a region under siege. She arrived at Yafa Medical Hospital on July 1st, seeking a consultation with a doctor, but faced an agonizing wait of several weeks, a stark reflection of the systemic failures impacting patient care.
Since the onset of the war in October 2023, Gaza has been under a severe blockade, severely restricting the movement of medical personnel, supplies, and critical equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10,000 cancer cases exist in Gaza, with over 2,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Breast cancer remains a significant contributor to the overall cancer burden in Gaza, with a disproportionately high incidence rate among women.
The lack of medicine, medical equipment, and specialist diagnostic services is a primary driver of this crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are approximately 10,000 cancer cases in Gaza, with more than 2,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The mammography machine at Yafa Medical Hospital in Deir el-Balah is frequently ‘out of action,’ and spare parts are incredibly difficult to acquire, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
Physician Dr. Hala al-Buhaisi, a specialist at Yafa Medical Hospital, describes the situation as a ‘cycle of confusion and exhaustion’ for healthcare professionals. “[The war] has stopped access to healthcare services that are responsible for detecting and treating breast cancer],” she stated. This lack of access directly impacts the timely evaluation of patients.
Since the beginning of the siege, Yafa Hospital has recorded a 40% or higher increase in cases with advanced stages of cancer. The shortages of radiotherapy and oncology medications are contributing to slower recovery rates. Al-Buhaisi emphasizes the critical need for psychological support for patients and families, recognizing the immense psychological impact of living in a region characterized by trauma and grief.
The situation extends beyond the medical realm. Al-Za’anin, an oncology physician at the hospital, highlights that delayed diagnosis means fewer treatment options or more severe interventions. He states that the device can detect small tumours and microcalcifications before clinical symptoms appear, at stages when treatment is more effective. The early detection of these subtle indicators is crucial for improving survival rates.
Marah Ghabayen, a 28-year-old mother of a four-year-old girl, illustrates the devastating consequences of this crisis. She was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer and was waiting for a referral that would allow her to leave Gaza for treatment. During the wait, she faced difficulties in accessing appropriate treatment due to medical shortages, and according to her family, she was treated with medication that had expired. Her mother, Samaher Aldeni, expressed deep sorrow, stating that she watched her daughter’s hope fade as time passed while her condition deteriorated.
These challenges are compounded by the ongoing siege, which has severely disrupted essential healthcare services, including water supply, food distribution, and sanitation, further exacerbating the situation. The psychological toll of the conflict on patients and their families is significant, contributing to a cycle of suffering and despair.
This crisis underscores the urgent need for increased medical aid to Gaza. The consequences of this crisis extend far beyond the immediate impact of the conflict, posing a serious threat to the health and well-being of countless patients and potentially impacting the health of the entire region. Further humanitarian assistance and efforts to alleviate the suffering are vital to ensure that Gaza’s patients receive the care they deserve.”
Source: Al Jazeera
