Rebuilding Equitable Breast Cancer Care in Post-Conflict Syria

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Syrian women, yet the country’s prolonged conflict has severely disrupted oncology services. Our aim is to explore, through recent peer-reviewed (including qualitative and quantitative studies) and grey literature (including WHO and non-governmental organisaton reports) the current status of breast cancer care in Syria. The conflict has fragmented Syria’s health system, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced much of its oncology workforce. Only two radiotherapy centers remain functional, and most women present with late-stage disease. Data from hospital registries and qualitative studies reveal severe inequities, economic hardship, and gendered stigma. Rebuilding equitable breast cancer care requires: (1) re-establishing a national cancer registry and basic diagnostic capacity; (2) decentralizing service delivery with tri-modality (surgery, chemotherapy, palliative) models; and (3) investing in oncology workforce training and psychosocial support. A conflict-sensitive, equity-focused strategy, grounded in Syrian-led and diaspora-supported recovery, is essential.