Cancer in children: The tip of the iceberg

Abstract

Pediatric cancer outcomes have improved dramatically in high-income countries (HICs) with more than 80% of patients surviving. This has been achieved through early diagnosis, the formation of collaborative research groups, and government policies. However, most children with cancer in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not survive due to multiple factors including lack of resources, manpower, and national level pediatric cancer policy. If we need to improve the overall outcome of children with cancer then we need to focus our attention on children in LMICs as they constitute 80% of the worldwide disease burden. This article looks at the burden of pediatric cancer, examines pediatric oncology policy paralysis, and offers possible solutions for improving care for children with cancer.

Keywords: LMIC; Pediatric cancer; outcome.