While breast cancer affects women worldwide, Palestinian survivors face unique challenges in accessing effective healthcare. Shortages of medical supplies, fragmented health services and Israel’s restrictions on the freedom of movement of patients to access specialised hospitals in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, all impact treatment journeys.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Palestinian women in Gaza, but estimates of five-year survival rates are 65%. This makes breast cancer the highest cause of cancer deaths among Palestinian women. In Israel, five-year survival rates are much higher at 88%.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works with partners to address the challenges to breast cancer care by organising multidisciplinary medical missions to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), procuring essential equipment and consumables, developing systems of care and appropriate referral pathways, and providing psychosocial support for survivors.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023, we are sharing the inspiring stories of three Palestinian breast cancer survivors, celebrating their strength and optimism. You can read the stories below and support breast cancer care in the oPt by donating to our fundraiser.
