SIOP working committee on psychosocial issues in pediatric oncology

Abstract

Recognizing the importance of psychosocial issues in the care and cure of the child with cancer, the board of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) in 1991 constituted a Working Committee on Psychosocial Issues in Pediatric Oncology, with Giuseppe Masera as chair and John Spinetta as co-chair. This committee met for the first time in Rhodes, Greece, in October 1991. The committee discussed various psychosocial issues and developed a document on Aims and Recommendations, summarizing the experiences of major centers. This document was approved by the SIOP board, which recommended diffusion of the document to the pediatric oncology community.

Supportive care in children with cancer Our experience at "A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital in Athens, Greece

“…Caring for the child who suffers from cancer is one of life's tasks [1][2][3][4]. The health care team (physicians, nurses, psychologist, social worker) a together and each and every one on his/her own, is asked to participate actively in each step of the child's journey from diagnosis to the end or to the triumph of cure.…”

Analysis of the circumstances at the end of life in children with cancer: A single institution's experience in Japan

“…The lack of the opportunity to continue with the child's education during terminal care and the lack of a support system for bereaved families was highlighted in our interviews with parents. An educational program is a critical and essential part of the normal psychological development of any child 4,16 . Depending on the medical condition, the child must be encouraged to return to full attendance at school as soon as possible.…”

“…The voluntary help group ‘AOZORA’ (means blue sky) was founded by bereaved parents in co‐operation with our medical doctors in 1999. Furthermore, it must be noted that routine contact with bereaved families for at least 2 years on a significant anniversary date is often welcomed 16 …”

“…An educational program is a critical and essential part of the normal psychological development of any child. 4,16 Depending on the medical condition, the child must be encouraged to return to full attendance at school as soon as possible. The elementary school in our hospital was founded in 1997, and the junior high school in 1999.…”

Bridging the Childhood Cancer Mortality Gap Between Economically Developed and Low-income Countries

“…The first and last of these are referenced here. 10,11 Moreover, feasible treatment regimens have been developed by AHOPCA for all the common malignant diseases of childhood.…”