Cancer prevention, care, and outreach among the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh

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Demographic profile

As of October, 2023, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that 967 842 Rohingya refugees were living in Bangladesh. Approximately 936 961 (96%) of these refugees reside in 33 overcrowded camps (with approximately 40 000 people living per km2) in the Ukhiya and Teknaf subdistricts of Cox's Bazar, while around 30 000 have been relocated to the island of Bhasan Char as part of a resettlement initiative by the Bangladesh Government⁴¹ (Figure 1, Figure 2). The Rohingya population

Cancer prevention, awareness, and education

Low awareness and education about cancer prevention exacerbates the health crisis, directly contributing to high-risk lifestyle behaviours in the Rohingya refugee camps. A study revealed that 70 (82·4%) of 85 participants were unaware of the link between smoking and lung cancer, with more than three-quarters regularly using tobacco products. The widespread use of betel nuts with burnt tobacco (jorda) further elevates the risk of oral cancer, yet in another cross-sectional study, 95% of the

Cancer care gaps in Rohingya camps

Health-care providers in the Rohingya refugee camps are becoming increasingly concerned about the rising cancer burden, particularly of hepatocellular carcinoma, oral cancer, and cervical cancer. A health-care professional at Cox's Bazar Medical College Hospital mentioned, “We see a large number of hepatocellular carcinoma patients compared to other cancers. This could be because the Rohingya population lacks vaccination and awareness about cancer risk factors.”Inadequate infrastructure,

Barriers to cancer care in Rohingya camps

Cancer care in Rohingya camps in Bangladesh is heavily affected by political challenges, which directly influence the availability and quality of cancer treatment. The political recognition of Rohingya refugees by both the host country and the international community determines their access to medical care, including cancer treatment. Political decisions and legislation in Bangladesh can restrict the operations of humanitarian organisations and health-care providers, limiting the availability

Conclusion

The Rohingya refugee crisis presents unique challenges to cancer care, as they are often neglected in humanitarian responses. The scale of the crisis, coupled with a complex socio-political landscape and severe resource limitations, complicates efforts to address the growing cancer burden among this population. Inadequate infrastructure, insufficient advanced diagnostic equipment, and the absence of specialised medical professionals contribute to substantial delays in diagnosis and treatment,