Childhood Cancer Burden and Demography
Cancer accounts for a large proportion of the global burden of disease in children, although the exact burden of cancer in children around the world remains poorly defined due to methodological limitations affecting pediatric cancer burden estimation. The cancer burden in children is disproportionally concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, where 85% of cancer cases occur. There are wide disparities in survival rates in children with cancer around the world, ranging from 30% in low- and middle-income countries compared to 80% in high-income countries. The difference in survival from childhood cancer is one of the most profound health equities in children globally. It is within this context that childhood cancer care has emerged as a global health priority through the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which has set a target to improve survival for children with cancer to at least 60% in all countries. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the global epidemiology of childhood cancer, including the incidence, mortality, and barriers to care, and highlight the growing evidence that reducing disparities in care for children with cancer can be achieved.
