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50 Years of SPOG

For 50 years, we have been committed to childhood cancer research in Switzerland. In this anniversary year, we are making this commitment visible and inviting you to be part of it.

Committed to children and adolescents with cancer since 1976

Fortunately, cancer in children and adolescents is rare, but treatment is very complex. Children are not simply small adults. They develop different types of cancer and require different therapies than adults. This is why the successful care of children and adolescents with cancer is inseparably linked to research.

Childhood cancer needs research

Cancer in children is rare but complex.
Progress is only possible through joint, coordinated research.
There are many different diseases.
Uniform treatment standards are essential for therapies.
Collaboration between the nine paediatric oncology centres in Switzerland is central.
Learn more about our research

The fact that today on average almost nine out of ten children can be successfully treated is, for those affected and their families, primarily thanks to clinical research. Progress is only possible through joint, coordinated research. To this end, SPOG conducts national and international studies, ensures uniform treatment standards and connects all nine paediatric oncology centres in Switzerland – and has been doing so for 50 years.

Celebrating 50 years of SPOG together

Anniversary T-shirt

Children from all over Switzerland have created colourful drawings of our mascot ‘Spogli’. Some of these drawings will be printed on our anniversary T-shirt, which will be available from summer 2026.

Charity concert

The charity concert, featuring several choirs, took place on 25 April 2026 at the French Church in Bern. Admission was free, and donations were collected via a collection.

Read the article

Anniversary symposium

On 5 June 2026, SPOG hosted its anniversary symposium followed by an apéro at the Inselspital Bern.

Read the article

Movement campaign

From 24 August to 13 September 2026, SPOG is calling for a nationwide movement campaign. The goal is to get moving together and bring hope to children and adolescents with cancer.

Groups can register now.

Registration

Courage beads

Children receive a bead for every step of their treatment. This year, SPOG's anniversary courage bead will be distributed – as a token of gratitude to all those who are or have been part of our studies.

Our history

The chronicle documenting 50 years of childhood cancer research in Switzerland will be available from 5 June.

In the new anniversary video, patients, doctors and researchers provide an insight into the work of SPOG.

Watch the video

Hello, I'm Spogli!

I accompany children and adolescents with cancer and stand for everything we can achieve together. In this anniversary year, I wish for solidarity, visibility and the strength to keep learning more about childhood cancer. My superpower is research. To keep going, I need your support.

Donate

Spogli