Childhood cancer encompasses a wide and heterogeneous range of rare cancers defined by the age group in which they occur. While significant progress has been made in recent years in improving survival and treatment quality for children with cancer, significant inequalities still exist across the WHO European Region. This report draws together available evidence and information from a wide range of published sources to present the case for an increased focus on addressing inequalities in childhood cancer within the Region. It summarizes literature in four main areas: the childhood cancer continuum; inequalities across countries; inequalities within countries; and childhood cancer as a driver of inequalities. The report makes recommendations on the key steps that are likely to have the greatest impact in reducing inequalities across the Region. It is hoped that these will be of value to decision-makers and politicians from all countries within the Region looking to address existing inequalities in childhood cancer care through targeted improvement activities.

The European childhood cancer community is delighted that childhood cancer is now under the spotlight in the EU Cancer Plan. Our community including paediatric haemato-oncologists, parents, patients, and survivors is now looking forward to shaping the implementation of these proposals building on existing projects and structures in the community.