Gynecological Cancer Services in Arab Countries: PresentScenario, Problems and Suggested Solutions

Abstract

Gynecological malignancies account for 9% of all female cancers worldwide. In the Arab countries Breastcancer is the leading cancer in women followed by cervical cancer. Ovarian cancer ranks as fourth leadingcancer in women. There are huge differences in the available resources among Arab countries. However thechallenges facing the provision of gynecological cancers services shared similarities like the cultural and religiousbackground. Most of the gynecological cancers are diagnosed at a later stage in Arab countries due to the lackof reproductive health awareness especially among older women combined with the cultural stigma of seekingmedical advice for gynecological symptoms. This article discusses the current situation of gynecological cancerservices in Arab countries and suggests some practical solutions.