War and Its Consequences for Cancer Trends and Services in Iraq

Abstract

Iraq and Mesopotamia have been severely affected in recent decades by wars, sanctions, and embargo. Cancer is one of many examples of the medical diseases whose epidemiology and management have changed. Many Iraqi people have started to believe that cancer is fatal until proven otherwise, as its diagnosis and treatment are very challenging in a context of limited resources. This chapter discusses the status of cancer trends and care services, and how wars and their consequences have affected these trends and services. Ultimately, war has led to an increase in unnecessary suffering among innocent Iraqis.