By Muhammad Habash
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Experts say that breast cancer cases have increased by five percent in northeastern Syria over the past decade, as in 2023, 35 breast cancer cases were recorded in Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria, according to statics from the Kurdish Red Crescent.
Doctors and specialists believe that pollution in northeastern Syria may be a major factor contributing to the rise in breast cancer cases.
Danish Ibrahim, an oncologist, pointed out that the rise in breast cancer cases may be a result of the increase in pollution and oil emissions caused by generators and diesel-powered vehicles, as well as the primitive ways used in oil refining and their proximity to residential areas.
“In the past, three out of a hundred patients would have cancer. However, currently, eight out of a hundred patients have cancer which is five percent increase,” he said.
He emphasized that this hike is significant compared to other prevalent diseases.
Limited medical services
The current efforts are still limited in the region, as the Kurdish Red Crescent (KRC) has recently established a hospital in the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria, and inaugurated in December 2023 an oncology department in it.
The hospital aims to reduce the expenses of travel to Damascus for cancer patients and their families.
The hospital offers most diagnostic methods such as mammography, ultrasound, biopsies, and CT scans to assess the stage and extent of the tumor.
The oncologist focuses on the shortage of Bone Density Scanner at the hospital, which is crucial for diagnosing advanced-stage breast cancer.
The radiology technician at the mammography center in the hospital, Warbin Ibrahim, explained that treating physicians refer patients to the center to make tests and the center sends the diagnostic report to the doctor to take necessary medical measures.
She added that the hospital provides accommodation and some medication, and chemotherapy is given to patients free of charge by a specialist.
However, the oncologist highlighted the high cost and limited new treatments. About 80 percent of breast cancer patients require radiation therapy, which is not available in the region, and some treatments are available but at high cost.
He advises following preventive measures such as weight loss and avoiding hormone pills, as well as undergoing the BRCA1 gene test starting from the age of 25. This genetic test is conducted for women with a family history of breast cancer.