Cancer care interventions for forcibly displaced populations in low- and middle-income countries of the Middle East and North African region affected by humanitarian crises: Protocol for a scoping review

In this study, the researchers aimed to create a protocol to review cancer treatment interventions for forcibly displaced populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region affected by humanitarian crises. A scoping review identifies available interventions, assess existing research, and highlight critical gaps in evidence.

Humanitarian health responses often prioritize acute needs and infectious diseases, leaving cancer and other non-communicable diseases with fewer dedicated resources and interventions. Individuals with cancer who have been displaced face disrupted treatment, advanced disease at presentation, and reduced access to care. By establishing a systematic approach, this study will lay the foundation for improving cancer care strategies in humanitarian settings. This protocol aims to document existing interventions and gaps, to inform policy and guide the integration of comprehensive and sustainable cancer care into humanitarian health systems.

The review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA guidelines. The team will search multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, CINAHL) and grey literature sources (WHO, UNHCR, IOM, ReliefWeb, OCHA). A dual-review process with three reviewers will ensure rigorous screening, data extraction, and analysis. A broad range of study designs, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and qualitative research, will be included.

This article presents a protocol for a scoping review. This protocol addresses a critical gap: no systematic review has examined cancer care interventions for displaced populations in MENA humanitarian settings. It provides a framework to map interventions, assess evidence, and highlight gaps, establishing the foundation for the first review on this topic.

Cancer remains underrepresented in humanitarian health responses. By defining a rigorous review process, the study will generate evidence to inform policy, guide program development, and support the integration of cancer care services into humanitarian health systems. The completed scoping review will help address a gap in evidence and programming in global health responses and improve cancer outcomes for populations affected by displacement.

The next stage is to conduct the scoping review as outlined in the protocol. Once complete, it will document cancer interventions available in MENA humanitarian settings, evaluate the scope of existing research, and identify critical gaps. These results will provide an evidence base to guide research priorities, funding, and policy on cancer care in crisis contexts.