Updated 17 June 2010
The physical and emotional needs of the child and adolescent with cancer, as well as the specific treatment of the cancer, are best met by a team approach directed by a children’s cancer specialist (pediatric oncologist). For these reasons, the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) and the Provincial Pediatric Oncology/ Hematology Network (PPOHN) recommend that all patients under the age of 17 who are suspected of having, or are diagnosed with, cancer should be referred directly to BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) for initial evaluation and therapy.
Please see Patient referrals for the referral guidelines.
Numbers to call during the day:
Clinic: 604-875-2116
Administration: 604-875-2322
After hours: 604-875-2345 and ask for oncologist on call.
Information for families is available online.
BCCH has a separate ward (17 beds) for pediatric oncology patients, including a 3 bed bone marrow transplant unit. The pediatric oncology clinic at BCCH is open daily Monday-Friday and is staffed by specially trained nurses and physicians.
After initial evaluation and treatment many patients can be treated in their local community under the supervision of a pediatric oncologist in partnership with a local physician.
Childhood cancer is a rare disease occurring in 1 in 8,000 children under age 14. Annual incidence of childhood cancer (age 0-14) = 129 per million. There are about 130 new cases diagnosed in children under age 15 each year in B.C In B.C. from 1990-2000, 1114 children under age of 14 were diagnosed with cancer.Children with cancer have a better chance today of living a longer life than ever before. If diagnosed and treated appropriately, the overall cure rate is 70-80%.
For all information regarding pediatric oncology, please go to the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Network website (www.kidscancer.bc.ca).