Navigating Cancer Care in Lebanon: Diagnosis, Treatment & Coverage

A cancer diagnosis in Lebanon is overwhelming, but the country has experienced oncologists, accredited tumour boards, and an MoPH chemotherapy programme. The first weeks are about building a team and getting the right diagnostic workup.

The first 3 weeks

1. Confirm the tissue diagnosis (biopsy + pathology review). Always ask for a second pathology opinion on rare cancers.
2. Complete staging — imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT) and tumour-marker bloodwork.
3. Request a multidisciplinary tumour board review at an academic centre.
4. Ask for a treatment plan in writing: intent (curative vs. palliative), modalities, expected duration, side-effect profile.

Who you'll work with

• Medical oncologist — chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy.
• Surgical oncologist — for resectable tumours.
• Radiation oncologist — for tumours where radiotherapy is part of treatment.
• Pathologist, radiologist, oncology nurse, dietitian, psychologist — the wider team.

MoPH coverage

The Ministry of Public Health covers chemotherapy and many high-cost cancer drugs for citizens without other insurance, dispensed via the central pharmacy and contracted hospitals. Targeted and immune therapies (Herceptin, Keytruda, etc.) are covered conditionally; your oncologist's office files the dossier. Bring all original receipts.

Practical tips

• Keep one binder for pathology, scans, prescriptions, receipts — bring it to every appointment.
• Designate one family member as primary communicator with the medical team.
• Use Lebanese cancer-patient associations (Barbara Nassar Association, CCCL for children, Heya Foundation) for logistical support and second opinions.
• Fertility preservation should be discussed before chemotherapy begins if you may want children.