Health ministries in Palestine and Lebanon launch breast cancer initiatives

Health ministries in Palestine and Lebanon have launched new national initiatives to combat breast cancer through improved early detection and integrated care protocols.

In Palestine, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), introduced an integrated national protocol for breast cancer care. The framework covers prevention, awareness, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and psychological support. Officials noted that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the region, with 626 new cases recorded in the West Bank during 2025. The ministry reported conducting over 5,500 mammograms and 2,500 ultrasounds in the West Bank during 2024.

In Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health transitioned its breast cancer awareness campaign into a year-round program. The initiative provides free digital mammography to Lebanese women over the age of 40 at all government hospitals. The program aims to link government hospitals with primary healthcare centers to ensure patients follow an appropriate medical pathway. Officials stated that breast cancer accounts for approximately 23 percent of all cancer cases in Lebanon, with more than 3,800 cases recorded annually.