In the Caribbean and globally, cancer is among the leading causes of death in children under age 15. In high-income countries, more than 8 in 10 children with cancer are able to survive the illness, thanks to early diagnosis and effective treatment. But in several Caribbean countries, 2-year overall survival is only about 55%. Higher toxicity of cancer treatments and patients’ abandoning their treatment are the main barriers to successful outcomes, and experts say that strengthening health systems is the best way to address these challenges.
"Childhood cancer treatment is very cost-effective, and many more children’s lives can be saved by ensuring that the health system is well equipped to diagnose and treat children with cancer and provide support to their families’’
The experts convened by PAHO include pediatricians, pediatric oncologists, and noncommunicable disease program managers from nine Caribbean countries and territories, along with representatives of ministries of health and other collaborating organizations. The group met in Port of Spain Trinidad, on Feb. 11 and 12 to map out ways to increase support and action—at both the country and international levels—to reduce deaths in children and adolescents with cancer in the Caribbean through strengthened health systems, focusing on improving diagnosis, treatment, training, and family support.
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