Cancer care in Afghanistan: A comprehensive analysis of opportunities and challenges in a low‐income and conflict‐affected country

The main purpose of this study was to assess the cancer prevention and control capacity in Afghanistan. The study utilized the WHO/IAEA National Cancer Control Programmes (NCCP) Core Capacity Self-Assessment Tool to evaluate Afghanistan's cancer control capacity, shortages, and priorities. Data collection involved site visits to 12 public and five private healthcare facilities conducted by a multidisciplinary team of nine experts between June and July 2021. This was complemented by a structured questionnaire survey, desk review, and literature review, which continued until January 2025. The findings reveal significant gaps in cancer control capacity in Afghanistan. The country lacks a national cancer control plan, and there are no established programs for cancer screening and early detection. Diagnostic and treatment services are predominantly concentrated in urban centers, with limited access to essential medicines, radiology, pathology, and systemic therapies. Palliative care services are nearly non-existent, and radiotherapy facilities are absent. While Afghanistan has made initial strides in cancer control, significant challenges remain in developing a comprehensive and sustainable cancer control program. Immediate priorities include finalizing and implementing a national cancer control plan, expanding diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, integrating palliative care, and strengthening workforce capacity. This assessment is crucial not only for Afghanistan but also offers valuable insights for other resource-constrained countries facing similar challenges. Regionally, it highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in South Asia and the Middle East to tackle cancer collaboratively. Globally, these findings underscore the need for international investment and technical assistance to address cancer as a shared public health priority.