Hosted by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) & the  International Pediatric Association (IPA).

“Challenges in Early Diagnosis for Childhood Cancer: Strategies that Work”

November 14, 2023

16:30 – 18:00 GMT

Online event

Download agenda/flyer here.

Survival outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer have exceeded 80% in high-income countries (HICs). However, survival rates are much lower in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where nearly 90% of children with cancer reside. Early diagnosis allows a timely treatment while the disease is still in its earlier stages. Diagnostic delay in childhood cancer is a significant problem in LMICs and leads to high rates of advanced disease at presentation. Inconsistent referral networks cause substantial underdiagnosis of cancer in children. It is estimated that 50% of children with cancer in LMICs are never diagnosed. 

Strategies to educate healthcare workers on the presentation and initial management of childhood cancers should improve early recognition of pediatric cancers and timely referral to pediatric oncology care centers and improve survival outcomes. “SIOP Childhood Cancer Early Diagnosis and Appropriate Referral (CEDAR)” is a collaborative project of SIOP and IPA, which aims at improving the knowledge and understanding of general health care providers, including pediatricians, family practitioners, and community nurses, who are involved in the initial care, diagnostic workup, and referral of pediatric patients. 

Moderators: Alan Davidson, Nita Radhakrishnan, Muhammad Saghir Khan

Opening Message

• IPA vision for Childhood Cancers, Aman Pulungan

Ongoing strategies/Impact:

• Lilliana Vasquez, Peru
• Karina Quintero Delgado, Panama
• Rashmi Dalvi, India
• Hikari Ambara Sjakti, Indonesia
• Lorna Renner, Ghana
• Elianeth Kiteni, Africa Nurses

Overview of SIOP/IPA initiative for Early Diagnosis; SIOP CEDAR Project:

• Muhammad Saghir Khan

Interactive Panel Discussion: Global Strategies for Early Diagnosis- Possible Way Forward

• Roberta Ortiz
• Kathy Pritchard-Jones
• Alan Davidson

•      National, regional, and global connections and collaborations are fundamental keys to improving the outcomes of childhood cancer.
•      The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (WHO GICC), with the engagement of governmental and societal stakeholders, is a key catalyst to improve childhood cancer outcomes.
•      Early diagnosis strategies should be included in national pediatric cancer plans with a multistakeholder engagement for better implementation.
•      Challenges in improving early diagnosis are similar for many low-resource settings; Context-appropriate strategies are the most likely to be successful- one size does not fit all.
•      Educational activities focusing on improving the knowledge and understanding of general healthcare providers involved in the initial care of pediatric cancer patients are of vital importance.

Watch the recording of our LGCW Session “New Global Initiatives to Improve Access and Quality of Essential Medicines for Childhood Cancer” from 2022 below: