Abstract 56: Landscape and Challenges of Cancer Registration in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT)

Purpose: National and regional cancer control strategies have been identified as essential tools for reducing and managing the growing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer registration is an instrumental component of any national cancer control strategy. In the Middle East, North-Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, cancer registration varies immensely across countries and faces multifaceted challenges including protracted conflict. This study maps out the present capacities and outputs of cancer registration in the MENAT region and identifying thematic barriers facing implementation and utilization of cancer registry data. Methods: We employed a mixed-method approach utilizing a self-administered online survey with open and close ended questions targeting national and institutional cancer registry managers in the MENAT countries. The questions focused on the country-wide and registry-specific status and challenges of cancer registration. Results: Data from 20 MENAT countries were collected through the online survey. MENAT registry managers reported the presence of 97 population-based registries, 48 hospital-based registries, and 24 pathology-based registries. Most population-based registries were well or partially developed. Lack of accurate death records, complete medical records, communication between stakeholders, and trained personnel were critical challenges. These challenges are more severe in conflict-affected countries (both active conflict zones and neighbouring regions affected by conflict). Cancer registration challenges in these countries included weak health care infrastructure, absence of legislation mandating cancer registration, and cessation or disruption of cancer registration due to active conflict and loss of funding. Furthermore, refugee host countries such as Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, also reported conflict-related challenges including refugee mobility and lack of accurate data on forced migrants. Conclusion: This study provides a much-needed understanding of the current landscape and contextual challenges affecting cancer registration in the MENAT, especially in conflict affected settings. These data are important for identifying areas on which to focus regional capacity-strengthening initiatives. Citation Format: Zahi Abdul Sater, Ali Shamseddine, Ali Taher, Fouad Fouad, Ghassan Abu-Sitta, Ibtihal Fadhil, Raya Saab, Richard Sullivan, Salim M. Adib, Shadi Saleh, Deborah Mukherji. Landscape and Challenges of Cancer Registration in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 56.