OncoThon 2025: Transforming Childhood Cancer Care, One Session at a Time
The Second Global OncoThon by OncoDaily and the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) is in full swing, bringing together leading voices in pediatric oncology to drive change in childhood cancer care. In one of today’s sessions, global experts shared powerful insights on improving cancer treatment access and survival rates.
Her Excellency Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer, highlighted a major challenge: in many low- and middle-income countries, people don’t even believe childhood cancer exists. As a pediatrician-turned-advocate, she is working to bridge the gap by raising awareness, training healthcare professionals, and improving parental education in regions where resources are scarce.
Rob Pieters, President-Elect of SIOP, posed a thought-provoking question: If your child had cancer, would you seek treatment abroad?
If the answer is yes, it signals a critical gap in local pediatric oncology care. He shared how the Princess Máxima Center was built to ensure every child in the Netherlands receives world-class care at home. This initiative has helped boost childhood cancer survival rates to 84%, showcasing the power of dedicated infrastructure and innovation.
Paco Arango and Ishtar Espejo of the Aladina Foundation delivered an inspiring message on the power of unity in pediatric cancer care. They emphasized that OncoThon is more than an event—it’s a global movement that demands participation. Their foundation is working to establish a day care home for children undergoing treatment while also extending support to refugees from Gaza and Ukraine who are battling cancer.
The speakers have also joined Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired of Jordan’s OncoThon challenge.
The movement has already gathered momentum with many joining the challenge and calling their friends to action.
Why OncoThon Matters
With 500,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year, pediatric oncology remains underfunded and overlooked. OncoThon serves as a global call to action, rallying experts, advocates, and communities to push for better funding, improved access to care, and stronger international collaboration.
Join the conversation and be a part of this movement! Watch live sessions and get involved and donate now.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023