Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Every year, about 300 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, more than half of them are infants and children under the age of four. The Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) in Bern investigates health and the quality of life after cancer in childhood and adolescence.

The study was launched in 2007 in close collaboration with the Childhood Cancer Registry (ChCR) and paediatric haematology/oncology departments from all over Switzerland. So far, more than 3,000 former childhood cancer patients have answered a questionnaire. Almost 900 siblings participated as a comparison group. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have participated in the study so far for their help and support. You have made an important contribution to our understanding of the possible long-term effects of childhood and adolescent cancer and to improving the treatment and follow-up of current and former patients.

In the next phase, we will contact former childhood cancer patients who developed cancer after 2010 or who have not been contacted with a questionnaire in the past. The corresponding siblings will also receive a questionnaire. The mailing is planned for summer 2021. The questionnaire focuses on the physical health and quality of life of former childhood cancer patients, but also includes questions on other important areas of life such as the social environment, education and professional aspects. The results from the study are available online at www.childhoodcancerregistry.ch. In addition, we inform attending physicians about current research results. The results of the study are only meaningful if we receive as many responses as possible. Many thanks in advance to former childhood cancer patients who are willing to fill out the questionnaire. Your cooperation will help us to continuously improve the treatment and follow-up care of children with cancer in Switzerland!

For more information, please contact: 

Luzius Mader, E-Mail: luzius.mader@ispm.unibe.ch

Fabiën Belle, E-Mail: fabien.belle@ispm.unibe.ch