Marking National Childhood Cancer Day on 15 February – why Switzerland needs a national cancer plan
An increasing number of people are affected by cancer. In Switzerland, 400,000 people are currently living with a cancer diagnosis. In the category of children and adolescents, around 350 new cases are diagnosed each year. Providing the best possible treatment and follow-up care for cancer patients of all ages requires a high level of cooperation and coordination. The treatment of cancer often involves a greater number of specialists than the treatment of other diseases.
On average, almost 9 out of 10 children affected by cancer in Switzerland survive their illness. This has been made possible by advances in clinical research. However, many of these children and adolescents are impacted by the long-term effects of their illness or the treatment. This can impair their health, their social integration and/or their performance in school and training to varying degrees.
In order to effectively deal with cancer in adults as well as in children and adolescents, a national cancer plan for Switzerland is needed. The challenges of cancer care can only be met efficiently through forward-looking, sustainable and well-coordinated cooperation between all involved parties.
Many neighbouring countries, including Germany and France, have already developed and implemented national cancer plans, and the EU is also investing significant resources in coordinated cancer programmes. Switzerland’s own National Cancer Strategy came to an end in 2020. While Switzerland’s cancer organisations are currently coordinating activities and networking through the Oncosuisse Forum, this is being done without the support of the Confederation or the cantons. Without their support, this format is reaching its limits and is no longer able to cover the requirements of this complex issue, since tackling cancer exceeds the scope of acute medical treatment and consultation: it also includes prevention, lifelong follow-up care, the impact on relatives, and the situation of cancer patients in education, training and in the workplace. Overcoming this society-wide challenge also requires the involvement of the Confederation and the cantons – as well as a new national cancer plan!
National Childhood Cancer Day on 15 February brings a piece of good news: the motion “National Cancer Plan” is scheduled for consultation in the Swiss National Council on 29 February. As an organisation for clinical research into childhood cancer, we would like to highlight the importance for the Swiss population of tackling cancer in a coordinated manner in all age groups, at all stages of disease and in life after cancer. This kind of coordinated approach can prevent and alleviate a great deal of human suffering, strengthen social cohesion and save considerable costs.
