In the first episode of Experts by Experience by OncoDaily, Carmen Monge speaks with Pablo Allard, a childhood cancer survivor from Chile whose personal journey has shaped his work in cancer advocacy, psycho-oncology, survivorship, and policy.
As we mark September as a Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Gold September , Pablo shares why the voices and lived experiences of childhood cancer survivors must have a place in cancer policymaking, research, and patient care. The conversation explores the often-overlooked mental health and psychosocial challenges of survivorship, the importance of peer support, and the need to ensure that survivors are not defined by their cancer history.
Pablo shares his experience of being diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney as a young child and facing multiple relapses throughout childhood. He reflects on what life after cancer meant for him and his family, and how reconnecting with other survivors ultimately led him to advocacy.
The conversation explores why lived experience matters in cancer policymaking, research, and peer support, the importance of mental health for cancer survivors, and how Pablo and the Chilean Survivors Network, Luz de Esperanza, helped advocate for Chile’s right to be forgotten legislation to address discrimination faced by cancer survivors.
Pablo also discusses SurvNet, the Survivors Network of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), and a global survivor survey designed to better understand the experiences of childhood cancer survivors across different countries and drive patient-centered change.
The episode closes with a personal reflection on resilience, purpose, and moving forward after cancer.