Breast cancer screening initiatives in the Levant

Health authorities in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon are implementing various initiatives to improve breast cancer early detection and care protocols.

In Syria, the Ministry of Health is expanding screening services in the Daraa and Tartus governorates as part of an October “Pink Month” awareness campaign. In Daraa, hospitals are providing mammography, ultrasound, and surgical assessments, supported by recent equipment additions. In Tartus, the National Hospital is conducting its annual campaign, offering free services during October to promote early detection.

In Palestine, the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have introduced an integrated national protocol covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and psychological support. This follows reports of high cancer rates in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health has transitioned its awareness efforts into a year-round program, providing free digital mammography to women over 40 at government hospitals and linking these facilities with primary healthcare centers.