Breast cancer in the Arab World

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and this is no different in the Arab World. In this review, we attempt to highlight some unique aspects of breast cancer and breast cancer care in the Arab region. Although Arab countries have much in common and are grouped into one region, it is important to note that there are significant social, economic, and political stability differences that have great implications on breast cancer care and health care systems in general. Accurate data on breast cancer incidence rate, stage at presentation, and treatment outcomes are lacking in most Arab countries. However, breast cancer is known to present at a younger age and with more advanced-stage compared to Western societies. Although high-quality breast cancer care is available at some comprehensive cancer centers, this is the exception. The social, financial, and political instability of many countries plays a major role in impeding the development of standardized structured programs capable of providing high-quality care, as resources are often allocated to more emergent healthcare needs. Opportunities exist to scale up local health care systems to provide a better quality of care across the cancer care continuum; from early detection to palliative care and survivorship.