The Major Determinants of Cancer Care in Saudi Arabia

The provision of healthcare services to cancer patients in Saudi Arabia is subject to the influence
of both the healthcare system and cultural traditions, both of which hold significant importance.
The healthcare infrastructure assumes a pivotal role in the many stages of cancer management,
encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and post-therapy monitoring.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer care is provided to Saudi patients without
any financial burden by a royal decree. Patients receive comprehensive coverage for drugs,
operations, and diagnostic testing at no cost within government healthcare facilities. A
comprehensive range of systemic cancer treatments, encompassing chemotherapy, targeted
therapy, immunotherapy, and various other modalities, are accessible to patients. The Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia is actively addressing the anticipated rise in cancer cases by establishing several
advanced facilities that adhere to the highest international standards, providing comprehensive
care across all levels of therapy.

The treatment of cancer patients in Saudi Arabia is influenced by both the healthcare system and
cultural traditions, which have considerable importance. These factors exert significant influence
on the accessibility and efficacy of cancer care throughout the nation. In the context of cancer
prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, the healthcare infrastructure emerges as a crucial
determinant.

The assessment of healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia holds significant importance in the
context of cancer treatment. The provision of comprehensive cancer treatment services is
contingent upon the convenient accessibility of hospitals, clinics, and specialized cancer centers
for patients (Musaiger, 2016). The presence and accessibility of healthcare professionals such as
oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, among other specialized medical practitioners, are
contingent upon the caliber of the healthcare infrastructure in the vicinity. The provision of
timely diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and comprehensive supportive care services for
individuals with cancer is contingent upon the existence of a robust healthcare infrastructure
(Almutairi et al., 2020).

One significant factor to consider is the influence of Saudi culture on the provision of cancer
therapy. Cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices have the potential to impact various aspects of
cancer care, such as early detection, treatment decisions, and adherence to treatment regimens
(Al-Amri et al., 2018). For example, individuals may exhibit hesitancy in seeking medical care
or delay undergoing cancer screenings as a result of cultural norms and societal stigmatization
associated with the illness. Certain individuals may exhibit a preference for traditional or
alternative medicinal approaches as opposed to mainstream therapies, influenced by cultural
factors (Almutairi et al., 2020).

The healthcare system has a significant role in determining the overall health outcomes of a
population. Insufficient infrastructure may result in diagnostic delays, restricted treatment
alternatives, and decreased accessibility to supportive care services, all of which can profoundly
affect the quality of cancer care provided to patients. The provision of timely and high-quality
therapy to individuals with cancer is hindered by healthcare systems that are insufficient.

References:

Al-Amri, A. M., Al-Hashmi, S. O., & Al-Zahrani, A. S. (2018). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice
among Saudi Women towards Breast Cancer. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 12(6),
LC26-LC30.

Almutairi, K. M., Al-Hurish, S. N., & Al-Qahtani, M. F. (2020). Cultural beliefs, attitudes, and
practices towards cancer among Saudis. Journal of Cancer Education, 35(1), 63-69.

Musaiger, A. O. (2016). Cancer prevention in Saudi Arabia: a need for a national framework.
Journal of Cancer Policy, 7, 1-3.

R1

Thanks, Salem, and please verify that "awareness and knowledge about cancer disease" is the
most difficult determinant of cancer care in Saudi Arabia. The population as a whole simply isn't
paying enough attention or getting involved. Awareness workshops that try to educate the public
about cancer care are often overlooked or avoided in today's fast-paced modern society. As a
result, people continue to be in the dark regarding the illness. Due to a lack of education, people
are often misdiagnosed for longer than necessary, endangering their health. Individuals can take
preventative measures, undertake early screening, and get medical help in a timely manner if
they are involved and well-informed. All the more reason, then, to get the word out and get
people educated about cancer care if we want better health outcomes for the population as a
whole.

Reference:

JA Smith et al. Eribulin binds at microtubule ends to a single site on tubulin to suppress dynamic
instability Biochemistry (2010)

R2

Welcome, Ohood I want to thank you for sharing this useful information and assure you that
Saudi Arabia's commitment to the health of its people is demonstrated by the availability of
cancer care facilities. The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as
organizations like the Military, the National Guard Ministry, ARAMCO, and the Ministry of
Interior, are among the public sectors that provide access to these services. The Al-Faisal
organization also makes a significant contribution through its internationally recognized King
Faisal Specialist Hospitals and Research Centers (KFSH&RC). The availability of insurance-
reimbursed private oncology care considerably broadens the nation's healthcare alternatives. This
multipronged approach guarantees Saudi Arabia's readiness to tackle cancer treatment concerns
head-on.

Reference:

Abulkhair, O. A., Al Tahan, F. M., Young, S. E., Musaad, S. M. A. & Jazieh, A. R. M. 2010b. The
first national public breast cancer screening program in Saudi. Arabia. Ann Saudi Med