Syrian Refugees in Jordan: Barriers to Receiving Optimal Cancer Care

Of several barriers that hamper use of available healthcare services, Syrian refugees report that the financial barrier remains the major obstacle to receiving optimal cancer care. Increasing the international fund remains the mainstay to reduce the suffering of Syrian refugees with cancer and their families. Nurses can have crucial roles in reducing the burden of cancer in refugees, including screening and early detection efforts, direct patient care and management, and palliative care.

AT A GLANCE

• The massive influx of Syrian refugees has placed a tremendous burden on Jordan, a country with limited resources.
• The likelihood of Syrian refugees obtaining free or low-cost cancer care is extremely low, and most are unable to afford the cost of their treatments, which makes them unable to initiate or complete their treatments. 
• The international community should act to protect this vulnerable group of patients within this high-risk community by increasing the international fund and instituting early detection and cancer prevention campaigns.