Challenges and strategies for delivering effective breast cancer care in conflict zones.

Abstract

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and its burden is particularly severe in regions affected by conflict and war. In these settings, oncology care is often disrupted by the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, displacement of populations, shortages of trained personnel, and limited access to diagnostics and treatment. This paper presents a multidisciplinary, practice-oriented, and resource-stratified framework for delivering breast cancer care in conflict zones, offering practical guidance for clinicians, healthcare workers, and humanitarian organizations. Drawing on literature, field experiences, and expert insight across oncology, pathology, radiology, surgery, radiation oncology, psycho-oncology, and public health, we outline key challenges and propose context-adapted strategies spanning early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support. Emphasis is also placed on multidisciplinary and collaborative efforts, policy and strong advocacy at local, national, and international levels, as well as ethical considerations in humanitarian settings.