Paediatric Cancer European Reference Network Y3-5

ended

The mission of ERN-PAEDCAN is to improve outcomes of childhood cancer and malignant haematological diseases by reducing the current inequalities in different member states. Comparative population-based cancer registry research has provided robust evidence for significant inequalities in survival from childhood cancer across Europe: the difference may be as much as 30% units, with worse outcomes in Eastern Europe. Despite a reduction in the geographical differences in the period 2005–09, the former socialist economies still have roughly 20% excess mortality from cancer in children compared with the rest of Europe. In its second year ERN-PAEDCAN aims to continue to provide paramount requirements for ‘Cross-border healthcare’ allowing the provision of healthcare to children with cancer in a Member State other than the Member State of affiliation. We identify target groups with conditions requiring a particular concentration of resources or expertise, especially when the expertise with certain cancer conditions is rare and case volume low. Taking into account the potential burden on families seeking cross border health care ERN-PAEDCAN intends to establish mechanisms to facilitate movement of information and knowledge rather than patients. We aim to extend local and national ‘tumour board’ culture to the cross border level with identified and required ICT tools and eHealth networks. High-quality, accessible and cost-effective healthcare for childhood cancer are achieved by strengthening the integration of pre-existing knowledge and expertise, and fostering stronger cooperation between patients, professionals and healthcare authorities. The innovative contribution of ERN-PAEDCAN is a clear roadmap to approved expert referral sites and tumour advisory boards for healthcare providers fulfilling our vision of a more supportive environment for children with cancer with special needs by integrating pre-existing networks and knowledge across borders.