Global efforts advance childhood cancer research and data collection

In Asturias, Spain, between 25 and 30 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed annually. These cases are treated at the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), the region's reference center. Leukaemias and lymphomas account for more than one-third of diagnoses, followed by central nervous system tumors. To mark World Childhood Cancer Day, ISPA-FINBA reaffirmed its commitment to clinical, basic, and translational research aimed at improving survival rates and reducing treatment side effects.

In Ecuador, approximately 1,066 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed each year according to the Pan American Health Organization. To address the lack of a National Childhood Cancer Guide and a detailed hospital registry, MSD Ecuador and the Fundación Cecilia Rivadeneira (FCR) have partnered to improve data collection. This initiative, part of the Richard T. Clark Fellowship for Global Health, focuses on gathering information from families, caregivers, and health professionals to better inform public policy and resource allocation.