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Middle Eastern
Coalition

Addressing Cancer Challenges in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern Coalition of the International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) is dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges in cancer care across the region. With a high prevalence of lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, disparities in healthcare access, and additional barriers created by conflict, refugee crises, and underfunded healthcare infrastructure, urgent action is required to ensure equitable and innovative cancer treatment for all patients.

Through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy, the Middle Eastern Coalition works to bridge gaps in cancer prevention, early detection, and access to advanced therapies. By fostering cross-border collaboration, integrating cutting-edge oncology solutions, and prioritizing patient-centered care, ICPC remains committed to transforming cancer care across the region.

Key Priorities of the Middle Eastern Coalition

The coalition is focused on strengthening cancer care infrastructure, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring access to high-quality treatment for all individuals, particularly those in underserved and conflict-affected regions. ICPC’s key priority areas include:

  • Enhancing early detection and screening programs to reduce late-stage diagnoses.
  • Ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
  • Strengthening regional healthcare systems to reduce disparities in oncology care.
  • Expanding workforce training and telemedicine programs to address the shortage of oncology professionals.
  • Integrating AI and digital health solutions to improve diagnostics, research, and patient care.
  • Advancing clinical trial participation to accelerate research and improve patient access to breakthrough treatments.
  • Developing region-specific policies to improve cancer care for refugee and displaced populations.

     

These strategic priorities reflect ICPC’s commitment to ensuring patient-centered, innovative, and accessible oncology care throughout the Middle East.

Declaration of Cooperation

In January 2025, ICPC played a leading role at the 17th Breast-Gynecological & Immuno-Oncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC) in Cairo, Egypt, the largest and most influential oncology conference in the Middle East and Africa.

ICPC, in collaboration with the Egyptian Cancer Society, co-organized a High-Level Summit, convening leading oncologists, policymakers, patient advocates, and industry representatives to discuss strategies for strengthening regional cancer care, advancing early detection, and improving patient access to innovative therapies.

A significant outcome of the summit was the signing of the Declaration of Cooperation, a milestone agreement aimed at fostering regional collaboration in cancer prevention, research, early detection, and equitable access to treatment.

The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from across the region and beyond, including:

  • Egyptian Cancer Society
  • Qatar Cancer Society
  • King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan
  • Saudi Oncology Society
  • SAFRO (Saudi Federation for Oncology)
  • Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology (LSMO)
  • Industry leaders such as AstraZeneca and MSD
  • Prominent regional and international policymakers

     

The Declaration of Cooperation underscores a shared commitment to advancing cancer care through cross-border collaboration, investing in innovative oncology solutions, and reducing healthcare disparities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).



World Cancer Day 2025: Launch of the Urgent MENA Cancer Care Survey

To further strengthen evidence-based decision-making, ICPC launched the Urgent MENA Cancer Care Survey on World Cancer Day (February 4, 2025), in partnership with the Arab Alliance Cancer Patient Coalition.

This survey aims to identify the key challenges in cancer care across the region, collecting essential data to inform policy recommendations and strategic interventions. It focuses on:

  • Disparities in healthcare access and treatment affordability
  • Challenges in early detection and delays in diagnosis
  • Barriers to participating in clinical trials and innovative treatments
  • The role of cancer registries in improving patient outcomes


The survey is now available on the ICPC website and will remain open until March 31, 2025. Findings will be presented at the UN General Assembly in September 2025 to inform future policy and investment decisions.

📝 Click here to participate in the survey. 

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Regional Collaboration and Policy Development

The Middle Eastern Coalition of ICPC remains dedicated to fostering a patient-centered, sustainable, and innovative approach to oncology care. The Declaration of Cooperation, the High-Level Summit at BGICC, and the launch of the MENA Cancer Care Survey are critical steps in shaping the future of cancer treatment, research, and policy in the region.

ICPC will continue to collaborate with governments, research institutions, patient advocacy groups, and industry partners to drive policy changes and implement sustainable solutions that ensure every patient in the Middle East has access to timely, high-quality cancer care.

Join us in making a lasting impact on cancer care in the Middle East.

📄 Read our latest press release on the survey and our initiatives.

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