Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
Research Fellow in Radiation Oncology
Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation
Addressing breast cancer-related lymphedema in the Middle East
Lymphedema is a chronic complication of breast cancer that can cause debilitating symptoms if left untreated, seriously degrading a patient’s quality of life. Many patients with breast cancer are unaware of the signs and symptoms of lymphedema, especially in areas that have fewer healthcare resources, such as in rural areas of the Middle East.
For his Conquer Cancer research supported by BCRF, Dr. Ababneh aims to survey the current awareness of breast cancer-related lymphedema in the Middle East, find ways to increase awareness, and work with healthcare providers to determine barriers to care and the resources and data their clinics need to support patients with the latest medical information. His study will help pave the way for future studies that aim to raise awareness and quality of life of patients in other areas of the Middle East and Northern Africa.
Hazim Ababneh, MD is a medical graduate from Jordan and has been a research fellow at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School since March 2021. Known for his enthusiasm for learning and advocacy for cancer patients, Dr. Ababneh has developed a clinical research protocol under the mentorship of Professor Alphonse Taghian, which focuses on assessing breast cancer patients’ awareness of breast cancer-related lymphedema in the Middle East, particularly in Jordan. Knowledge deficits will be identified, and this data will provide informed, tailored educational programs and policy recommendations. Additionally, his study aims to identify barriers and challenges to establishing a prospective screening program for breast cancer-related lymphedema in resource-scarce settings. These insights will inform recommendations for infrastructural and operational needs necessary to support the implementation of these programs, enabling healthcare organizations to effectively establish and implement a sustainable screening program for lymphedema that enhances access and improves patient outcomes. Dr. Ababneh hopes to implement this important work with the support of the ASCO Young Investigator Award.
2024
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