Sirte: a dramatic increase in tumours. Interview with Dr. Suad Al-Qaoud

The central city of Sirte, which has seen several wars, has suffered from many problems and challenges, notably the increase in cancer cases due to many causes and the growing interest in the need to establish a special cancer center in Sirte. To find out more, we met with Dr. Suad Al-Qaoud, assistant to the director of the Sirte Oncology Center.

What are the health conditions in Sirte, especially with regards to tumours?

“The city needs to increase the level of health in all fields, especially the field of oncology, where health services are low, especially in terms of the provision of care and diagnostic materials such as special referrals of tumour tests in addition to diagnostic equipment and devices necessary for early diagnosis, especially in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. “

Is the city suffering from an increase in cancer infection rates?

“According to the statistics recorded in the Cancer Registry Unit from 2018 to 2021, the number of cases is increasing and has reached more than 500. If we compare the number of cases in 2020 according to the Cancer Registry Unit, it would have been 178. The number of cases from January 1, 2021 to November 27, 2021 is 229. “

What are the main reasons for the increase in cases?

“One of the main reasons for the increase in cancer cases in Sirte is fear, shame, lack of medical awareness of the importance of early detection, as well as the lack of early detection possibilities in the city, particularly in the suburbs of the city. Also, let’s not forget that the city has been subjected to several wars that could be a cause, but we don’t have the necessary evidence to prove it even the Radiation Measurement Commission has not yet published its results. “

What are the conditions at the Sirte Cancer Center and what are the most important things missing?

“The Center suffers from the lack of detection devices, such as stereotaxic mammography, mammography, breast device with sampling and ultrasound. It also suffers from the lack of chemotherapy and hormone therapy, which is a legitimate right for every patient in the center’s cancer registry unit, which exceeds 500 patients, especially the first line of treatment for breast and colon cancer, as we have been not receiving treatment from medical supplies for several months, which has resulted in the deterioration of the condition of patients who are unable to travel or provide treatment on time. We started a project for the early diagnosis of breast cancer but we were unable to complete it because the center was unable to sponsor and support this campaign and to physically and morally support the local medical team”.