Cancer care in humanitarian crises: The role of global nursing organisations.

Ibrahim, M.; Hollis, R.; McFerran, E.

Cancer care in humanitarian crises: The role of global nursing organisations.

All Authors

Ibrahim, M.

Hollis, R.

McFerran, E.

LTHT Author

Hollis, Rachel

LTHT Department

Leeds Children's Hospital
Children & Young People's Oncology & Haematology

Non Medic

Honorary Nurse Adviser

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Conference Abstract

Abstract

1 Background: Humanitarian crises, driven by conflicts and natural disasters, severely disrupt healthcare systems (Todays top news), with oncology services among the most affected (Al-Ibraheem et al., 2022). In regions like Sudan, Syria, and Gaza, ongoing conflicts have led to a near-total collapse of cancer care, putting thousands of lives at risk. The war in Ukraine, since February 2022, has significantly damaged healthcare infrastructure, leading to a critical shortage of medical personnel and resources, further straining cancer services (Haque et al., 2024). Nurses, often at the forefront of healthcare delivery, play a vital role in maintaining cancer care during these crises. However, nursing organisations and unions face significant challenges in providing consistent support and advocacy for these healthcare workers and patients. 2 Methods: We carried out a review of the impact of humanitarian crises on cancer care, focusing on the critical role of nursing and nursing organisations, such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The analysis draws on recent reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other relevant sources to examine the disruption of cancer services, the role of nurses in mitigating these disruptions, and the urgent need for enhanced support and training for nurses in conflict zones. The response of global nursing organisations and unions to these challenges is critically assessed. 3 Results: The findings underscore the devastating impact of humanitarian crises on cancer services. In Sudan, the civil conflict has led to the closure of most oncology centres, with only two out of 15 centres offering comprehensive care by August 2023 (Alrawa et al., 2023). In Gaza, ongoing conflict has halted cancer treatments due to hospital closures and infrastructure damage (Gaza), along with significant losses of trained oncologists and nurses. In Ukraine, attacks on hospitals and medical facilities have crippled the healthcare system, severely limiting access to cancer care. These disruptions will certainly lead to patients with curable cancers to progress to incurable stages due to delayed diagnosis and treatment (Sud et al., 2020). Despite these critical issues, the response from global nursing organisations has been inconsistent, with varying levels of engagement across different crises. 4 Conclusion(s): Nursing organisations and unions worldwide urgently need to take a more proactive and unified approach in responding to the collapse in the supply of cancer care in humanitarian crises. Actions to advocate for the protection of healthcare workers, ensure the continuity of cancer services, and develop coordinated global frameworks to support nurses in these challenging environments is needed. By leading these efforts, nursing can play a crucial role in mitigating the severe impacts on cancer care in conflict-affected regions and uphold their commitment to global health and human rights.