General oncology care in Palestine

Abstract

In Palestine, cancer care has been considered a national initiative and one of the main pillars of the health system. The Palestinian authority bears the cost of treating cancer patients. Cancer treatment is provided at no cost to all Palestinian patients through public and private hospitals. Currently, cancer care is focused on diagnosis and treatment while other elements, such as palliative care and quality of life, are left behind. Despite the Israeli occupation, efforts to enhance the level of cancer care within the Palestinian territories are ongoing, and additional hard work must be done. To enhance cancer care in Palestine, collaboration at the national and international levels is vital.