The role of a global community in addressing pediatric cancer disparities

Dr. Andrew Kung, Head of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Pediatric Cancer Program at MSK Kids, moderates a panel featuring leaders in pediatric oncology to address global disparities in childhood cancer care. The World Health Organization reports that over 80% of children with cancer in high-income countries are cured, while in low- and middle-income countries, survival is often below 30%, underscoring a profound gap in outcomes. With approximately 400,000 new cases worldwide each year, low survival in resource-limited settings is often due to late diagnoses, obstacles to access care, and high rates of treatment abandonment. This discussion delves into the systemic challenges behind these inequities, such as access to essential medicines, shortages of trained healthcare professionals and infrastructure, and socioeconomic and policy barriers. The panel will highlight how global collaboration, technological innovation, and shared learning can help drive progress and reduce disparities in pediatric cancer care around the world.