Fifteenth anniversary celebration

The Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study is a study carried out throughout Switzerland. It examines the health, quality of life and needs of people who were diagnosed with and survived cancer in childhood and adolescence. The study was set up and launched in 2007 in close cooperation with people affected, their families and the doctors treating them. This year the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study is celebrating its 15th birthday.

To celebrate this milestone, the Paediatric Cancer Epidemiology Group at the University of Bern organised an information and exchange event on 29 April 2022. Representatives from prominent organisations from all over Switzerland took part, such as, for example, Childhood Cancer Switzerland, Childhood Cancer Aid Switzerland, ARFEC, Zoé 4 life, Basel Region Childhood Cancer Foundation (Regio Basiliensis), Childhood Cancer Switzerland Foundation and Cancer Research Switzerland.

At the beginning of the event, the founders of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, Prof. Claudia Kuehni and Prof. Nicolas von der Weid, were welcomed and the research group Paediatric Cancer Epidemiology Group at the University of Bern introduced. The research team presented the most important results from the last 15 years and gave an insight into current research focuses, such as the effects of cancer treatment on hearing or the heart. Then everyone discussed the future of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study together. The expectations of the various childhood cancer organisations regarding the study were also discussed. Good exchange between research, the physicians treating the patients and those affected is an important prerequisite for developing a better understanding of the possible late effects of cancer. This will ultimately provide the best possible support to affected survivors and their families after the life-threatening battle against cancer.

The event was concluded with a convivial aperitif to toast the last 15 years of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Find out more about the study here.