ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2740

Interdisciplinary - Global health

ESTRO 2024

Conclusion:

These results highlight a number of challenges in effectively treating refugee patients. 90% were not proficient in English, leading to potential communication difficulties. Median time to accessing cancer services in Cork from leaving Ukraine was 14 days. However, a wide range in time was demonstrated indicating non-streamlined access, likely leading to disruption in cancer treatment, with the potential for adverse effects on cancer outcomes. No clear pathway was identified for refugees in this situation. Patients diagnosed in Ukraine and continuing their cancer treatment in Ireland, poor access to Ukrainian imaging and histopathology was identified. This absence of medical documentation may pose a multi-faceted challenge, potentially impeding continuity of care, treatment planning, and overall healthcare outcomes, while also impacting the efficient use of local healthcare resources. As the conflict persists, the ongoing repercussions on cancer care will continue to adversely affect the healthcare of refugee cancer patients. Thus, demonstrating a need for a more sustainable model of support for dislocated Ukrainian patients in Ireland and beyond.

Keywords: refugee, cancer-care, challenges

References:

1. A. Ryzhov, F. Bray, J. Ferlay, Z. Fedorenko, L. Goulak, Y. Gorokh, et al. Recent cancer incidence trends in Ukraine and short-term predictions to 2022. Cancer Epidemiol, 65 (2020), p. 101663, 10.1016/j.canep.2019.101663

2. https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/

3. https://www.europeancancer.org/resources/286:new-survey-shows-war-in-ukraine-impacting-cancer-care-in neighbouring-countries.html

4.https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/fp/paui/arrivalsfromukraineinirelandseries8/