Breast Cancer in Afghanistan: Issues, Barriers, and Incidence

Abstract

The aim of this review is to discuss the incidence, issues, and barriers to care for women with breast cancer in Afghanistan that can increase mortality in women. Worldwide many people lose their life due to cancer every year. Mortality and morbidity rates due to cancer are estimated to increase in males and females in the future. The predictions are that nearly two-thirds of mortality for patients due to cancer might happen in developing countries due to issues access. Along with mortality and morbidity, cancer can negatively strain the economy and workforce of in underserved or economically challenged communities.

            Afghanistan is one of the low and middle-income countries that suffers from increased mortality rates due to cancer and its negative consequences. Afghanistan does not have a cancer patient registry and health coverage all over the country is limited. The limited data on cancer and evaluation of the burden of disease in developing countries is challenging. This article reviews data collected from Jamhoriat hospitals in Kabul city Afghanistan. It is essential to perform studies on the incidences of cancers in different provinces of developing and economically challenged countries to appropriately formulate strategies and guidelines for the management of risk factors to decrease the burden of cancer on health systems and communities.   

Keywords: Health literacy, breast cancer, access, developing countries, breast cancer treatment.