General Oncology Care in Bahrain

Abstract

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island nation with the highest health care and life expectancy comparable in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has a small population, but a higher incidence rate of cancers in GCC countries. Two public (government) oncological facilities are available in Bahrain for cancer patients, mostly for Bahraini citizens. The majority of the consultants in medical and radiation oncology are expatriates and there is a need for locals to get trained in these faculties. With changing lifestyles, obesity, and the genetic factors peculiar to this ethnic population, the incidence of cancer is bound to rise over the years to come. Health-related policy decisions to join the international organizations for clinical trials will bring in more research and better cancer care, apart from increasing more facilities for palliative care. The scope of this chapter is to provide an overview of the current information about the cancer status in Bahrain, including epidemiology, statistics, and facilities of care.

BRCA testing and management of BRCA-mutated early-stage breast cancer: a comprehensive statement by expert group from GCC region

“…In recent years, GCC countries have made significant progress in enhancing the healthcare infrastructure for BC management. Most of these countries have specialized cancer centers (King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in KSA, Tawam Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center in UAE, National Oncology Centre at the Royal Hospital in Oman, Kuwait Cancer Control Center in Kuwait, The Bahrain Oncology Center at King Hammad University Hospital in Bahrain) equipped with advanced technology and staffed by MDT healthcare professionals ( 123 – 128 ). These centers function as central points for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care, providing patients with comprehensive and specialized services.…”

“…These centers function as central points for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care, providing patients with comprehensive and specialized services. With the exception to Oman, the healthcare infrastructure in these countries is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like mammography, ultrasound, MRI, PET and molecular testing ( 123 – 128 ). In Saudi Arabia, oncology services are offered through various public institutions ( 126 ).…”

“…In UAE, several general oncology care services have been initiated across the nation to enable cancer patients to access healthcare facilities closer to their homes ( 125 ). In Kuwait and Bahrain, all the general hospitals are equipped with a radiology department along with molecular imaging and nuclear medicine ( 123 , 124 ). In UAE, radiotherapy facilities are located across the country and offer advanced treatment options ( 125 ).…”

“…Bahraini citizens, on the other hand, receive free treatment at public hospitals. Most GCC nations provide an extensive array of treatment choices such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy guaranteeing individualized and efficient healthcare for patients ( 123 – 127 ).…”