Late presentation and suboptimal treatment of breast cancer among Syrian refugees: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES: The crisis in Syria has had a profound impact on the entire region. In this study, we report the patterns of presentation and management of Syrian patients with breast cancer treated at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on Syrian refugees treated for breast cancer over the past 10 years at our center. Management was compared against our approved clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were eligible and included. The median age (range) at diagnosis was 47 (21–84) years and most women presented with locally advanced or metastatic disease (n = 74, 65.5%). Breast-conserving surgery and breast reconstruction were performed in 27 (33.8%) and 11 (35.4%) patients, respectively. Only a few patients received targeted (35.5%) or advanced endocrine therapy (30.0%). In total, 37 (32.7%) patients had considerable deviations from our institutional treatment guidelines and had worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Syrian refugees with breast cancer present late, have more advanced-stage disease, and are more likely to receive delayed and suboptimal therapy. An international systematic approach for cancer care among such vulnerable populations is urgently needed.