Abstract A85: Challenges in developing pediatric cancer care in Southern Vietnam

Worldwide, cancer has superseded infection and heart disease as the leading cause of death. Generally viewed as a lesser public health priority in lower to middle income countries (LMIC), 60% of the children worldwide have limited access to effective cancer diagnosis, therapy and supportive care measures. As a result, relapse and treatment related toxicities with fatal outcomes contribute significantly to decreased survival rates compared to developed countries. Survival rates as low as 5% have been previously been reported in Vietnam. These reports utilized surveys based on face-to-face interviews that extrapolated incidence rates and survival data.Below the 17th parallel the region of southern Vietnam remains isolated with limited access to modern research collaborations and methodologies. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City provides the region's primary pediatric oncology clinical setting. Three hospitals, Blood and Transfusion Hospital, Children's Hospital #2, and Oncology Hospital provide care for the surrounding population of 40 million.Recognizing that the definitions of underserved populations have blurred in relation to global communities, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and the Kids with Cancer Foundation of Vietnam have collaborated to evaluate clinical and educational challenges to improving healthcare delivery in Vietnam. Faculty from UTHSCSA have travelled to southern Vietnam on multiple occasions to interact and help identify gaps...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Healthcare Systems: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research