Cancer treatment amid armed conflict: Challenges and urgent needs in Sudan

Abstract

Background

The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted healthcare, particularly cancer care, where continuous treatment is vital. Cancer patients face significant challenges, including treatment delays, shortages of essential drugs, and limited access to healthcare professionals. Despite growing research on cancer care in conflict settings, data specific to Sudan remains scarce.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2024 at Dr. Tiraky Oncology Center in Kassala State, Sudan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, covering demographic characteristics, treatment disruptions, drug availability, and financial burden. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results

Of 100 patients, chemotherapy interruptions affected 89 %, mainly due to displacement (52 %) and transportation barriers (29 %). Essential cancer medicines were frequently unavailable, significantly disrupting treatment continuity. International donations have provided some relief, though no strategy has completely resolved the issue. While the government covers the cost of essential cancer medicines, patients and their families must bear additional expenses, particularly for out-of-stock chemotherapy drugs, transportation and accommodation. Additional challenges included, staff shortages, limited chemotherapy chairs (n = 12) and increased workload. Financial burdens were significant, with the average cost of a single chemotherapy cycle per patient estimated at $900.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the severe impact of ongoing conflict on cancer care in Sudan, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions. Strengthening supply chains, expanding treatment capacity, and providing financial and logistical support are critical to mitigating the conflict’s effects on patients from conflict-affected regions.