First Steps made towards pan-European Standards of Care

The Symposium on Standards of Care for Children with Cancer took place on 14 October 2009 in Warsaw, Poland. To view the presentations, please see below.

Supported by EU Commissioner for Health, Androulla Vassiliou, the Symposium brought together medical professionals, patients and parents groups, and policymakers from across Europe to discuss the disparities in treatment standards that currently exist in Europe.

The Symposium was the outcome of a revealing SIOPE report in 2008. Coordinated by Prof. Jerzy Kowalczyk, the Polish National Consultant for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and SIOPE Board Member, the survey involved questions on state regulations and standards of care in European countries.

A total of 27 European countries out of a possible 49 responded to the survey disseminated by SIOPE, with 21 responses from the EU Member States. Only Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Italy have officially recognised regulations in place; the most comprehensive document was created by the German authorities.

However, support for a document that provides standardised guidelines for paediatric haematology and oncology care was expressed by all centres involved in the report.

This first document, approved by all participants, provides best practice techniques and methods to shape a better care environment in an effort to ensure the best quality-of-life for the child patient. Numerous committed patients and parents groups have contributed, reinforcing the concept that partnership with all stakeholders is central to build political momentum and set basic standards for our national health systems.

Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in young people in Europe. With inequality in survival rates in EU Member States and significant long-term effects in many survivors, it is essential that the quality-of-life and outcomes for children and adolescents is addressed and this working document provides the first steps to preventing young people from dying and suffering unnecessarily.

Speaker presentations:

Prof. Kathy Pritchard-Jones: Interpreting variations in childhood cancer survival in Europe      

Prof. Gilles Vassal: Availability of medicines and supporting therapies in pediatric oncology 

Prof. Jerzy Kowalczyk: Report on systems of care for children with cancer in the EU

Ewa Jack-Górska: Report on non-medical aspects of standards of care for children with cancer

Jarosław Greser : Legal basis, implementation and monitoring

Lynn Faulds Wood: Effective Lobbying

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