Childhood cancer in the global NCD agenda: A call to action for lifelong integration and access to care

International efforts, including the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, have accelerated progress toward improved childhood cancer survival. As survivor populations grow, evidence shows increased risks of noncommunicable diseases, mental health challenges and reduced quality of life later in life.
 

Many of these risks can be mitigated through prevention, early intervention and coordinated care. However, survivorship needs remain insufficiently addressed in many health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
 

On the margins of the 79th World Health Assembly, St. Jude is co-hosting a side event focused on childhood cancer survivorship within the broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) agenda. The discussion is centered on how survivorship care can be integrated into primary health care (PHC) and universal health coverage (UHC) using a life-course approach.

Proposed Outcomes

• Elevate the visibility of childhood cancer survivorship as a priority within national cancer control plans and universal health coverage agendas
• Support alignment among global partners on integrating survivorship into existing cancer and NCD frameworks
• Highlight approaches to strengthen long-term follow-up systems for early detection and management of late effects
• Identify opportunities to expand equitable access to survivorship care across diverse resource settings
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to address critical evidence gaps and support country-level implementation

Event Resources