The ongoing genocide in Gaza is pushing the health system to collapse, denying women access to early detection for breast cancer and condemning many to a slow and painful death, health professionals warn. Dr Mohamed Abu Nada, Medical Director of the Gaza Cancer Centre, says the crisis has been intensified by forced displacement, hospital destruction, and severe shortages of medicines.

“The conditions of siege and bombardment have made regular check‑ups impossible,” Dr Abu Nada explained. “Breast cancer, which is treatable when detected early, is now spreading unchecked. The absence of timely diagnosis is causing severe deterioration, with many women dying within just two years.” Hospitals, he added, are prioritising emergency trauma over cancer care, with breast cancer surgeries downgraded to secondary status despite being straightforward under normal conditions.

The shortage of essential medical supplies is worsening the crisis. Operating theatres are disrupted, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are limited, and displaced patients face enormous obstacles in accessing care. Dr Abu Nada described the situation as “a silent humanitarian disaster” and called for urgent international intervention to ensure access to treatment before it is too late.