Disparities in pediatric oncology access and outcomes in the occupied Palestinian territories: a retrospective study from Augusta Victoria Hospital.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Childhood cancer survival rates are lower in low- and middle-income countries, with additional challenges in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) due to political instability. This study reports outcomes of children treated at Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH), the only dedicated cancer center in the OPT.

Methods

A retrospective chart review analyzing diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric oncology patients admitted to AVH between January 2018 and June 2024.

Findings

Among 424 patients (West Bank: 51.2%, Gaza: 43.4%, East Jerusalem: 3.8%), the median diagnostic delay was 24.5 days (IQR, 10-45), with significant variation by gender (males: 30 days; females: 20 days, p = 0.018), age group (<5 years: 14 days; >10 years: 30 days, p =

SUBMITTER: Rimawi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12572807 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature