A message from POEM Group President-Elect Gevorg Tamamyan for the Childhood Cancer Awareness month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer and supporting families affected by this devastating disease.

The gold ribbon has become a symbol of hope and solidarity, representing the fight against childhood cancer and honoring those affected by it.

Gevorg Tamamyan, President-Elect of the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group, has shared a powerful message emphasizing the importance of unity in the fight against childhood cancer.

Gevorg Tamamyan’s Commitment

Gevorg Tamamyan is serving as the Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily and the CEO of the Immune Oncology Research Institute. He holds the position of Chairman and Professor of the Department of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology at Yerevan State Medical University and was the Head of the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia. His extensive experience includes being the Co-Founder and Board Member of various organizations such as the Armenian Association of Hematology and Oncology and the City of Smile Charitable Foundation. He is the President-Elect of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Asia Continental Branch (SIOP Asia), Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Cancer and Crisis.

Dr. Tamamyan has been recognized with numerous awards, including the ASCO IDEA and LIFe Awards, 40 under 40 in Cancer Award, underscoring his commitment to improving cancer care for children. In his recent message for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Tamamyan stated, “We must unite because kids with cancer cannot fight it alone!”

This call to action highlights the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals, families, and communities to enhance support for children battling cancer.

The Role of POEM

The Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group was established in 2013 as a collaborative platform for healthcare professionals from various countries in the East and Mediterranean region. Its mission is to share experiences, initiate cooperative trials, and develop common strategies to optimize care for pediatric oncology patients.

As of July 2020, POEM’s membership spans 28 countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Turkey, India, and many others. Through its efforts, POEM aims to address disparities in cancer care access and improve survival rates for children with cancer across these regions.

On this occassion, POEM Group shared a post on LinkedIn:

“A message from POEM Group President-Elect Dr Gevorg Tamamyan in celebration of Childhood Cancer Awareness month: “We must unite because kids with Cancer cannot fight it alone!”

Watch the video here.

Childhood Cancer in the Region

Childhood cancer remains a significant health challenge in many parts of the East and Mediterranean.

In Armenia alone, approximately 80 to 100 new pediatric cancer cases are diagnosed each year. While advancements have been made—such as improved survival rates where 7 to 8 out of every 10 children diagnosed can expect to survive—there is still much work to be done to ensure that no child dies from this disease.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, various initiatives are organized to promote understanding and support for affected families. These efforts are crucial in reducing stigma around childhood cancer and fostering a supportive community for survivors and their families.

As we observe the end of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Gevorg Tamamyan’s message serves as a reminder that collective action is vital in the fight against childhood cancer. By uniting our efforts—medical professionals, families, and communities—we can make significant strides toward improving outcomes for children battling this disease.

Let us stand together in support of these brave young fighters and their families during this critical month and beyond.

For more posts on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit OncoDaily