Survivor’s Week Webinar: Childhood Cancer – Stigma and Communication
June 29 @ 16:00 - 18:00
Childhood cancer survival rates have been improving globally over recent decades. Researchers in this area highlight, “Ongoing improvements in survival rates across high-income, middle-income and low-income countries will result in a rapidly expanding population of survivors with unique health-care needs, emphasizing the increasing relevance of issues relating to childhood cancer survivors globally.” (Ehrhardt et al. 2023). Young people who have survived cancer are a medically vulnerable population at higher risk for health and psychosocial issues throughout their lifetimes including, for example, challenges in mental health, physical health, education, work, or social integration in their communities. However, many young people who have survived childhood cancer have meaningful and productive lives with support from family, community, and peers. CCI and SIOP offer an annual 2-hour webinar on Childhood Cancer Survivorship to bring together professionals and young people who have been treated for cancer to highlight challenges and successes in this global topic. This year’s theme is Childhood Cancer Stigma and Communication (the language and words we use when speaking about childhood cancer). Join us on June 29, 2024, to celebrate cancer survival month (June) and all who have completed treatment worldwide.
About the Speakers:
Yamini Krishnan
Pediatric oncologist, Head of Paediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT unit at MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Kerala·MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, Kerala, India
Mara Ayala
IMAGINA Pediatric Psycho-Oncology, Mexico
Mara Ayala, PhD is the founder and director of IMAGINA Pediatric Psycho-Oncology, a nonprofit in Aguascalientes, Mexico, tending to the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. She also created the Integrative Extra- and Intra-Hospital Psycho-Oncological Intervention Model (MIPPEIH), now integral to the institution’s operations.
Anna Sonkin
Physician·St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Anna Sonkin, MD, is a parent of a pediatric cancer survivor and a pediatrician and palliative care physician currently working at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also specializes in clinical communication skills education. Until 2022, she lived and worked in Russia and now lives in New York
Criss Koba Mjumbe
Professor·University of Lubumbashi
He is a public health expert and associate professor at the University of Lubumbashi. Specialized in studies of QALYs (Quality-Adjusted Life Year) and DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) and Cancer Costs in Africa. Of Congolese origin, he studied medicine in Lubumbashi. Member of the GFAOP and SIOP international
Manar El Mountaqi
My name is Manar, and I am a 24-year-old medical student living in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, it’s a very beautiful city, it’s a blend of historic charm and modern elegance, featuring stunning coastal views . My journey into the field of medicine has been deeply personal. At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Inspired by the care and dedication of the medical professionals who treated me, I decided to pursue a career in medicine. Now, as a medical student, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of my future patients, and to support and heal those in need.
Racha Hajjar
My name is Racha Hajjar (29 years old) and I work as a volunteer coordinator at the Cedars Cancer Center in Montreal. I have a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture as well as a master’s degree in social work. When I was 9 years old, I was diagnosed with leukemia. I was treated at the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) for four long years. My cancer journey has made me the strong person I am today.
Head, Paediatric Haematology Oncology and BMT unit at the MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, Kerala, India . Chair, Neuroblastoma subcommittee of INPHOG; the research organisation of the Paediatric haematology oncology chapter of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Co Chair of the Protocols and Clinical Trials sub committee of the Indian childhood cancer Initiative(ICCi), working for the improvement of the care of children with cancer in India. Involved in the advisory committee of various Non governmental organisations. Though my clinical interests lie in the field of paediatric oncology , I am very much interested in studying the social aspects in the lives of children affected with cancer and mitigating the barriers associated with the reintegration process of our children into the society.