Lebanon's Patients Suffer Amid War and Crisis
Lebanon is facing an escalating crisis in cancer control, linked to economic, health, and social factors. Since 1990, cancer cases have increased by 162%, and related deaths have risen by 80%, with diagnostic and treatment capabilities declining due to economic collapse, shortages of medical personnel, and rising medication costs. Israeli bombings have also damaged hospitals and led to missed treatment appointments, further aggravating patients' suffering; in 2022, there were over 13,000 cases and 7,307 cancer-related deaths. The problem is worsened by air pollution resulting from reliance on generators, as well as the deterioration of medical infrastructure—15% of cancer treatment hospitals are no longer operational, and more than a quarter of pharmacies have ceased providing essential treatments. The greatest challenge remains ensuring the continuity of care, amid high smoking rates (about one-third of Lebanese people smoke) and ongoing campaigns for early detection aimed at reducing mortality and improving patients' chances of treatment.
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