Need to Increase Awareness of NCDs in MICs on the Edge of the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, and the incidence of breast cancer is increasing among women in middle-income countries (MICs). Turkey is one of the MICs and has an emerging economy. Turkey is a major hosting country of refugees, and it is still hosting one million Syrian refugees who are faced with a high risk of noncommunicable diseases. The aim of this study is to point out the current situation and cost of breast cancer in MICs focusing on Turkey and the current refugee flow into this country. This study used a direct examination of the scientific literature and reports. Study results indicate an increasing trend of costs and incidence of breast cancer in MICs and Turkey. Breast cancer is the most common disease among women in Arab world and it is foreseeable that there will be an increase in the number of breast cancer women in the next future in Turkey. To fight against breast cancer in Turkey, health policymakers should enhance public awareness for early diagnosis and treatment, considering the upcoming refugee crisis.