Oncological disease changes the life of the entire family. While supporting people affected by cancer and their loved ones on a daily basis, we are aware of the difficulties they encounter along the way. To support them in this unequal fight, the "Krwinka" Foundation, in cooperation with other Polish non-governmental organizations dealing with pediatric oncology, issued an appeal to candidates for the European Parliament under the name "Beating Childhood Cancer: Cure More, Cure Better and Tackle Inequalities. Its aim is drawing attention to the problems occurring in the three main areas of pediatric oncology, which are treatment, post-therapy support and elimination of inequalities.
“Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death from the disease in children over one year of age in Europe.” To prevent this, organizations are calling for an increase in the number of children's drugs used in the treatment of specific pediatric cancers, resuming the production of orphan drugs (their production is suspended due to the small number of recipients suffering from a given disease) and allocating financial resources for the development of modern detection methods. and fight against cancer.
Completion of the treatment process does not mean return to full health. “Two-thirds of survivors suffer long-term side effects and face legal and social problems.” Therefore, it is important that children and adolescents after undergoing therapy are provided with professional medical and psychosocial support that will help them get back on their feet.
“There is a difference of at least 20% in the survival rates of young patients between different European countries.” To reduce this noticeable disparity, organizations are demanding access to affordable medicines for all children in Europe, which will help reduce the number of deaths among children and adolescents.
The manifesto was prepared by SIOP Europe and CCI Europe Manifest - organizations whose activities are devoted to supporting children affected by cancer and their loved ones. The "Krwinka" Foundation, as well as other institutions that signed the letter, recognizes the huge role of Members of the European Parliament in introducing changes in the area of pediatric oncology. Their involvement could help create a transnational cancer registry, obtain approval to use artificial intelligence for data analysis, and provide psychosocial support for children and their families.
We deeply believe that the appeal addressed to representatives of the European Parliament will result in starting a debate on the above-mentioned areas and will create space to improve the situation of sick children both in Poland and in other European countries.
