South Sudan lacks cancer treatment
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eyeradio
Illustrative image · OfficialDesign Africa · Pexels · Licence PexelsThe South Sudan Cancer Network has warned that many patients are diagnosed late and that the country lacks oncology treatment. In 2024, South Sudan reportedly recorded 8,124 new cases and 5,218 deaths, according to International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates cited by Eye Radio.
South Sudan has no cancer treatment services, forcing patients to seek care abroad at their own expense, Dr Albino Amum Awin, chairperson of the board of directors of the South Sudan Cancer Network, told Eye Radio. He also warned about late diagnoses, which reduce treatment options.
In 2024, the country recorded an estimated 8,124 new cancer cases and 5,218 deaths, according to estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, affiliated with the World Health Organisation. Breast cancer was the most common, with an estimated 1,760 cases, ahead of cervical cancer (890) and prostate cancer (629).
Breast cancer also caused the highest estimated number of deaths, at 840, followed by cervical cancer (554) and prostate cancer (401). October is dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early screening.
The warning comes after Tambura Hospital in South Sudan was reported to be short of medicines, beds, water and electricity on 19 October, in an article about its shortages.
