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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 design colouring pages featuring “Spogli”. Selected artworks will be printed on our anniversary T-shirt.

Download the colouring page

Benefit concert

The benefit concert featuring several choirs will take place on 25 April 2026 at the French Church in Bern. Admission is free; donations will be collected.

Learn more about the concert

Anniversary symposium

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

Register

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.

More details available from June 2026.

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 new anniversary video from SPOG will be released at the end of April.

From June, the chronicle documenting 50 years of childhood cancer research will be available.

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

Be part of our anniversary activities

In our anniversary year, we have planned many different events and activities. We warmly invite you to take part and join us. We look forward to your participation!

Colour Spogli
Attend the anniversary symposium
Attend the benefit concert
Support SPOG