Por Ismael Buendia 
The advances in diagnostic and therapeutic processes have significantly improved the survival of childhood cancer in most types, so that the observed survival five years after the appearance of tumors (2014-2016 incidence cohort) is currently 83.9%.
According to the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (RETI-SEHOP), in Andalusia, in the year 2023 (last with consolidated data), a total of 214 cases of cancer were diagnosed in children up to 14 years old. At this stage, hematological neoplasms are the most common, with a stable incidence of leukemias and lymphomas, followed by tumors of the central nervous system (brain) and neuroblastomas, which are the most common solid tumors. In contrast, in adolescence, bone tumors are more common.
On the occasion of World Childhood Cancer Day, celebrated on February 15th, the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs highlights the efforts made since 2021, when the current Cancer Strategy in Andalusia was launched, to improve care for these patients. Based on a network model, available 24 hours a day, it is coordinated through the reference centers, the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital and the Regional University Hospital of Malaga, and the rest of the centers, which are considered satellites.
From the reference centers, a 24-hour pediatric oncology telephone assistance service is provided for all of Andalusia, receiving an average of 10 calls per day from patients and families, which amounts to more than 3,650 consultations per year. This service offers information and specialized assistance at any time to address emergencies, adjust treatments, or provide guidance. In fact, the most common inquiries are related to chemotherapy, new symptoms, or worsening of the patient.
Additionally, the hours of operation of the Pediatric Oncohematology Day Hospitals have been extended to 12 hours a day in the reference centers, reducing the need for hospitalization for treatment administration.
The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation and the Andalusian Health Service (SAS), is promoting the creation of pediatric tumor subcommittees to provide specific follow-up for all diagnosed cases. With this goal in mind, work is underway to establish two Pediatric Oncohematology subcommittees in Andalusia, one in the east and one in the west.
The care of adolescent patients has also been one of the goals of the Cancer Strategy in Andalusia in recent years. Although tumors in this age group (14 to 18 years) are of low frequency, the impact on personal development and the high vulnerability of adolescents and young adults make cancer a high-impact condition, highlighting the importance of hospital care. Therefore, efforts are being made to create specific areas for these patients.
Specifically, at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville, the Planta Zero is being constructed, a specific area for hospital care of adolescents with oncohematological conditions, with 12 individual rooms. At the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Cordoba, a preferential wing for adolescents has been set up within the pediatric Oncohematology ward. At the Virgen de las Nieves Hospital in Granada, there is a specific consultation held two days a month, and a reserved area for leisure time for adolescents will soon be inaugurated.
The Ministry is also promoting long-term follow-up programs for childhood cancer survivors, as well as their transition to adulthood. For this purpose, a working group has been established to develop a guide protocol for long-term survivors, consisting of 17 chapters, one of which is dedicated to childhood cancer, providing guidelines for establishing an individualized follow-up plan upon discharge.
HPV Vaccination and Research
Last year, Andalusia expanded HPV vaccination to include adolescent boys up to 18 years old, as the main cause of cervical cancer and others. Previously, the prophylaxis was included in the official schedule for all girls aged 12 to 18 – achieving a coverage of over 90% – and since 2023, it is also prescribed for boys aged 12, with a coverage rate of 89% for boys born in 2011 (13 years old) as of January 2025. Measures are being taken to promote vaccination in this population group (14 to 18 years old).
The majority of research projects and clinical studies in Andalusia are focused on oncology. In fact, one in three clinical studies initiated in the public health system in Andalusia is related to cancer in some way. Regarding childhood cancer, some notable projects are being carried out at the Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Genomics and Oncological Research Center, Genyo, where comprehensive research on acute myeloid leukemia in children is being conducted using cellular, molecular, and bioinformatics tools. This project aims to find new alternative therapies to current treatments for this type of leukemia, which accounts for 20% of all childhood leukemia cases.
Commemorative Events
Andalusian hospitals have organized various activities to commemorate Childhood Cancer Day and raise awareness of this disease in children. For example, the Maternal and Child Hospital in Malaga has unveiled the poster for the first childhood cancer walk to be held in the city on May 18th. The proceeds will go towards a research project studying the impact on quality of life and disease progression of a standardized physical activity program for pediatric patients.
A group of superheroes, including Wonder Woman, Spiderman, Flash, Deadpool, Wolverine, Superman, and Thor, rappelled down the facade of the Maternal and Child Hospital in Granada and surprised the children, who enjoyed the action from their room windows. This event was organized by the Association of Mothers and Fathers of Oncological Children of Granada, ‘Aupa’.