title: Overview of pediatric oncology and hematology in Myanmar.
abstract: Myanmar is a country in southeast Asia in political, economic and healthcare transition. There are currently only two pediatric oncology centers serving a population of almost 19 million children. An estimated 85-92% of children with cancer are undiagnosed or not receiving treatment. Abandonment of treatment is as high as 60%. Although a number of chemotherapy agents are available, difficulties remain concerning treatment costs, quality control and the availability of supportive care. Radiotherapy services are also limited and not usually included in pediatric protocols. Healthcare professional training, improved diagnostics, strategies to tackle abandonment of treatment and the development of a parents' support group are major priorities. Local and international partnerships including a recent partnership with world child cancer are essential in the interim to support the development of pediatric oncology and hematology in Myanmar. A unique opportunity exists to support the development of preventive, diagnostic, curative and palliative care for children's cancer in Myanmar from the outset.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, London, UK ; Maternal and Child Health Care in Myanmar NGO, London, UK.
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Halbert
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, Yangon Children's Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar.
authors.forename: Aye Aye
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Khaing
keywords: Burma; Myanmar; hematology; oncology; pediatric