Asia

Top 5 Cancer Care in the Marshall Islands

26 February 2025

Cancer is a growing health concern worldwide. In many countries, specialized cancer hospitals provide cutting-edge treatments, early detection programs, and comprehensive care. But what happens when such facilities are not available? This is the reality in the Marshall Islands, where there are no dedicated cancer treatment centers. Instead, patients must rely on general healthcare facilities for basic medical services, including some cancer-related care. Understanding the available options is critical for those facing a cancer diagnosis in the Marshall Islands.

1. Majuro Hospital (Leroij Atama Zedkeia Medical Center)

Location: Majuro

Overview: As the largest hospital in the Marshall Islands, Majuro Hospital serves as the main healthcare provider for residents.

Key Features:

Primary and secondary care: Offers general medical services, including outpatient consultations and inpatient care.
Basic diagnostics: Includes X-rays, ultrasounds, and limited laboratory testing.
Limited tertiary care: While it provides some advanced medical services, it does not specialize in oncology.
Referral system: Patients requiring specialized cancer treatment are referred to hospitals in the Philippines, Hawaii, or Taiwan.

Although Majuro Hospital is not equipped for complex cancer treatments, it plays a crucial role in initial diagnoses and referrals.

2. Ebeye Hospital (Leroj Kitlang Memorial Health Center)

Location: Ebeye

Overview: This hospital serves the densely populated Ebeye Island and nearby communities.

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Key Features:

General medical care: Similar to Majuro Hospital, it provides primary and secondary healthcare services.
Limited tertiary services: Lacks specialized cancer treatment options but can offer basic medical support for cancer patients.
Diagnostic capabilities: Includes essential imaging and lab testing but not advanced oncology diagnostics.
Referral pathways: Works with Majuro Hospital and international healthcare providers to facilitate patient transfers.

Patients in Ebeye who need specialized cancer treatment must travel to Majuro first before seeking care abroad.

3. 177 Health Care Program Clinics

Location: Various islands

Overview: These clinics were established to provide healthcare to communities affected by past nuclear testing.

Key Features:

Primary healthcare services: Focuses on general medical care, vaccinations, and treatment of chronic diseases.
Limited cancer-related care: Can support early detection through screenings and symptom management but not specialized treatment.
Community-based approach: Provides localized healthcare access for remote populations.

These clinics are essential for reaching underserved communities, but they lack the resources for advanced cancer treatment.

4. Taiwan Health Center

Location: Majuro

Overview: The Taiwan Health Center primarily focuses on preventive healthcare and medical education.

Key Features:

Health education initiatives: Offers training and awareness programs for non-communicable diseases.
Limited direct medical services: Does not provide direct cancer treatment but can support prevention efforts.
Collaboration with local hospitals: Works with Majuro Hospital to improve overall healthcare capacity.

Patients looking for specialized oncology care must seek medical evacuation to other countries.

5. DOE Clinic

Location: Majuro

Overview: This clinic is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy and primarily serves individuals affected by radiation exposure from past nuclear testing.

Key Features:

Medical services related to radiation exposure: Provides health monitoring and treatment for radiation-related illnesses.
No specialized cancer treatment: While radiation exposure increases cancer risk, the clinic does not offer oncology services.
Research and data collection: Plays a role in studying long-term health effects of radiation exposure.

Cancer patients seen at the DOE Clinic are referred to larger hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.

Challenges and the Need for Medical Evacuation

Given the absence of specialized cancer hospitals in the Marshall Islands, patients requiring advanced treatment must travel abroad. The most common destinations for medical evacuation include:

The Philippines: Offers relatively affordable and comprehensive cancer treatment services.
Hawaii: Provides high-quality medical care, but the cost can be a challenge for many patients.
Taiwan: Known for its advanced healthcare system and strong support for international patients.

Medical evacuations can be costly and logistically complex. Patients often rely on government programs, NGOs, or international aid to facilitate travel and treatment expenses.

What Can Be Done to Improve Cancer Care?

While the current healthcare system in the Marshall Islands faces limitations, several steps could help improve cancer care:

Enhancing Early Detection Programs: Expanding screening services for common cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer could lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
Telemedicine Collaboration: Partnering with international oncology specialists through telemedicine can provide remote consultations and treatment planning.
Expanding Healthcare Workforce Training: Providing specialized training for local healthcare providers in oncology care could improve diagnostic and palliative care capabilities.
Strengthening Referral Systems: Improving coordination between local hospitals and international treatment centers can streamline patient transfers.
Community Awareness Programs: Educating the public on cancer prevention, risk factors, and early symptoms can promote proactive healthcare-seeking behavior.

Final Thoughts

Navigating cancer care in the Marshall Islands is challenging due to the lack of specialized treatment facilities. Patients must rely on general hospitals like Majuro Hospital and Ebeye Hospital for initial care, while those in remote areas have access to the 177 Health Care Program Clinics. However, for advanced treatment, medical evacuation to other countries is necessary.

Efforts to improve cancer care should focus on early detection, healthcare training, and stronger international partnerships. While change may take time, small improvements in the system can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. For now, understanding the available healthcare options is the first step toward better cancer care management in the Marshall Islands.