Cancer patients bear heavy costs as South Sudan lacks treatment centre
Cancer survivors and families of patients in South Sudan where estimated 8,124 new cancer cases and 5,218 cancer deaths in 2024, are calling on the government to establish a specialized cancer treatment centre, saying the lack of services in the country is forcing patients to seek care abroad at high financial and emotional costs.
They made the call during a workshop on Wednesday which brought together experts, health partners and victims and families of cancer survivors to review and discuss gaps in the detection, treatment and management of the conditions.
For many families, a cancer diagnosis brings not only the challenge of treatment but also the additional burden of finding money for transport, accommodation, documentation and repeated medical visits outside the country.
Agnes, a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancern in 2025, says she had to leave South Sudan for treatment with financial and logistical support from her family.
“I knew my cancer status in 2025. I was told to go for treatment outside. Which is difficult but I went with the help of my family.”
Agnes, who is now undergoing follow-up care, says cancer patients require continued medical support after treatment and is urging the Ministry of Health to establish specialized services in the country.
“I urge the Ministry of Health to establish a cancer centre here instead of us going outside the country with the little money we have.”
She also called for an end to stigma against people living with cancer.
For other families, the cost of accessing cancer care has resulted in the sale of property and prolonged delays in treatment.
Matiop Chol, whose family has dealt with cancer for about three years, says the costs of medical examinations and treatment have been difficult to meet.
Thomas Ladu says his six-year-old child developed a swollen stomach, prompting the family to visit several health facilities in search of a diagnosis.
“This disease started in a way we don’t even know what it is. We tried to check up from one clinic to another. I collected a number of medical reports but still we couldn’t find what the disease is.”
Thomas says he eventually sold his motorcycle to pay for his child’s medical investigations and treatment.
The family was later advised to seek treatment outside South Sudan. Thomas says treatment could be provided in Uganda at no cost, but travelling there would still require about 900 US dollars for transportation and documentation for the child and one parent.
He says the financial difficulties have also affected the child’s follow-up care.
“Doctors asked me to follow up. This month I am supposed to meet his doctor, but now with this situation it is so difficult.”
Ministry acknowledges gaps
Caretaker Minister of Health Dak Duop acknowledges major gaps in cancer services in South Sudan, despite the presence of teaching hospitals in Juba, Wau and Malakal.
“South Sudan faces serious gaps in cancer services control, although we have major hospitals, including Juba, Wau and Malakal teaching hospitals.”
Dak says the gaps are forcing many South Sudanese to seek treatment outside the country.
“Many of our citizens are therefore forced to seek treatment outside the country. We must change this situation. Cancer must not be a death sentence in South Sudan.”
The Ministry of Health says it plans to establish a National Cancer Control Steering Committee or a dedicated working group to guide the development of a comprehensive National Cancer Control Plan.
The ministry also says it intends to strengthen cancer services across the health system, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Cancer burden
According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, South Sudan recorded an estimated 8,124 new cancer cases and 5,218 cancer deaths in 2024.
Breast cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with an estimated 1,760 cases, followed by cervical cancer with 890 cases and prostate cancer with 629 cases.
Breast cancer also accounted for the highest number of estimated cancer deaths, at 840, followed by cervical cancer with 554 deaths and prostate cancer with 401.
For survivors and families affected by the disease, the establishment of cancer services inside South Sudan would reduce the need to travel abroad and the financial burden associated with seeking treatment outside the country.
