Somaliland Battles Rising Cancer Cases

Cancer is an escalating health challenge within Somaliland, with specific concerns regarding cancers of the throat, breast, bowel, and prostate. Studies conducted in Hargeisa and Borama reveal a concerning trend of late-stage diagnoses, as a significant number of patients seek medical attention when the disease has progressed to its most severe stages. This delayed presentation is attributed to low public awareness regarding the disease and its symptoms.

Research from Hargeisa's Needle Hospital indicated that women comprised 56.5% of cancer patients between 2022 and 2023. A separate study in Borama, covering 2018-2020, identified prostate, throat, and breast cancers as most common, with a noted increase over the study period, partly due to improved screening participation. Notably, a substantial portion of patients (44.4%) were diagnosed at stage four.

Limited access to specialized cancer treatment, particularly radiotherapy, forces many Somaliland residents to seek care abroad, with Ethiopia and Kenya being the primary destinations. While some treatments are available domestically, advanced equipment and specific expertise are lacking. Recommendations include establishing a national cancer control plan, a patient registry, and strengthening local diagnostic and treatment centers.

Experts emphasize that cancer is not caused by a single factor but a combination of elements, including age, diet, and potentially lifestyle. Public health campaigns are crucial to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes. The government's response to these findings remains unconfirmed, as inquiries to Somaliland's administration were not answered.