Refugees 'Struggle for Cancer Care'

There is a "high demand" for cancer treatment from refugees, which is often difficult to meet, experts say.

Infectious diseases and malnutrition have understandably been the focus of refugee health work.

But in Lancet Oncology, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says cancer is a major issue that host countries often struggle to deal with.

Innovative funding schemes and even screening in refugee camps could help, he said.

A team led by Dr Paul Spiegel looked at funding applications made to the UNHCR Exceptional Care Committee (ECC).

The ECC assessed 1,989 applications from refugees in Jordan for treatment between 2010 and 2012.

About a quarter (511) were for cancer, with breast and colorectal cancer the most common. 

About half of these cases were approved and funded.

Funding applications were rejected if the patient had a poor prognosis or the treatment was too costly.

The highest amounts approved in individual cases were $4,626 in 2011 (£2,750) and $3,501 (£2,081) in 2012, the years that were analysed.