Pioneering Research on Adolescent Cancer in Chile

Thanks to the commitment of our organization and the belief in the importance of this cause, we are moving forward with the first comprehensive research study focused exclusively on adolescents with cancer in Chile. This project addresses a critical gap in the healthcare system, where adolescents aged 10 to 19 are often treated either as children or adults, without consideration of their unique medical, psychological, social, and educational needs.

In Chile, hundreds of adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year. Despite this reality, there is little to no specific data that reflects their lived experiences, treatment outcomes, mental health challenges, or long-term quality of life. The lack of evidence has limited the development of age-appropriate treatments, psychosocial support programs, and inclusive public policies.

This research represents a historic milestone: it is the first national study dedicated specifically to adolescents with cancer, giving visibility to a population that has long been overlooked.

Progress and Current Status:

Despite not having yet secured financial support through the GlobalGiving platform, we have continued advancing this project with strong commitment and limited resources, driven by the urgency of giving adolescents with cancer a voice.

To date, we are currently in the recruitment phase, inviting adolescents with cancer to participate and building a representative study sample from different contexts and experiences across Chile. This phase is crucial to ensure that adolescents themselves are at the center of the research.

Once recruitment is completed, we plan to begin the data analysis phase in March, which will allow us to identify key patterns, needs, and opportunities for improvement in adolescent cancer care.

Links:

• note on website