Dear SIOP members and colleagues caring for children with cancer all over the world,

This week, as we issue our Spring newsletter, we are in the midst of extraordinary times for the human race.  The global pandemic of SARS-Cov-2 infection has taken over the focus of nearly all health service resources, leaving cancer and other diseases in second place. Many of you have had to change the way you provide care and to contribute your staff and personal efforts towards other services in your hospitals.

We thank you for your efforts to maintain diagnosis and treatment for children with cancer as safely as possible.  This is essential if we are to continue to make progress in the global initiative to improve survival rates.  This requires a multi-disciplinary effort and it is fitting that the theme of World Health Day, marked this week on April 7th, is the Year of the Nurse and midwife. Nurses are at the forefront of caring for children with cancer, and are under considerable pressure to deliver healthcare in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope that our recent commentary and planned publication, that draw on the experience of many of you around the world, are helpful for your service planning and the work of your multi-disciplinary teams.  Read moreMessage from the President

In these uncertain times for societal functioning and health services, many of you must be wondering about the 2020 SIOP congress due to take place in October in Ottawa.  Please be assured that the plans for the scientific programme continue and we encourage you to submit your abstracts. The SIOP Board is keeping under review the final format of the meeting and there will be a further communication on this well before the early bird registration deadline of 29th July.

We trust that you enjoy the other achievements of SIOP members highlighted in this Spring newsletter. In the meantime, we hope that you and your families manage to stay safe and have the support you need during these rapidly changing times.

Kathy Pritchard-Jones

SIOP President, and on behalf of the SIOP Board of Directors