Oncology

Oncology is the medical specialty dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Oncologists manage a wide range of malignant diseases affecting different organs and systems, using an integrated approach that may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments. The specialty places strong emphasis on early detection and personalized care plans, tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient and their disease. Oncology also plays a key role in supportive and palliative care, aiming to improve both survival and quality of life throughout the course of treatment.

At Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Teaching Hospital, oncology services extend beyond diagnosis and treatment to include a national early cancer detection initiative developed in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry of Health, local oncology centers, and Gruppo San Donato. The program offers targeted screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, with the aim of identifying disease in its earliest stages and reducing cancer-related mortality. Through this project, the hospital combines advanced clinical capabilities with public health outreach, contributing to stronger oncology care and prevention strategies across Iraq.