On 15 February, we observe International Children’s Cancer Day. At UQUIFA, we join this important initiative from Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, and we have organized a solidarity chocolate event (xocolatada) to raise funds for childhood cancer research. This year, the UQUIFA Xocolatada Solidària aims to increase awareness and support scientific progress.

Understanding Childhood Cancer

Every year in Spain, around 1,200 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in children. Although we often refer to it as childhood cancer, it is actually a group of diseases that develop during the natural growth of organs and tissues. Therefore, they are better described as developmental cancers.

In contrast, most adult cancers appear as cells age and are influenced by lifestyle factors. However, children cannot prevent cancer through lifestyle changes. As a result, childhood cancer occurs due to factors beyond their control.

Children do not develop lung, colon or pancreatic cancer. Instead, they face neuroblastomas, nephroblastomas, medulloblastomas, osteosarcomas, Ewing’s sarcomas, lymphomas, leukemias, and many other rare diseases. These conditions require specific treatments tailored to young patients.

Why Research Depends on Philanthropy

In Spain, 1 case of childhood cancer is diagnosed for every 200 adult cases. Because of this imbalance, most research funding—both public and private—focuses on adult tumors. Moreover, adult research does not benefit children, as they suffer from different diseases with unique characteristics.

This is why hospitals such as Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona play a key role. They depend on social support and philanthropy to advance research and develop new therapies that meet the needs of young patients.

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Its Impact on Pediatric Oncology

The children’s cancer research laboratory at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu was created 15 years ago. Today, it employs 50 professionals, including researchers, oncologists and technical specialists. The center performs advanced molecular diagnosis and prognosis, while also developing new, more effective, less aggressive and more personalized treatments for children.

Recently, the Hospital opened the SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, the first pediatric oncology center in Spain. It treats 400 new cases each year, in addition to providing ongoing care to 2,000 children already diagnosed and treated by the Oncology Department.

Research focuses on solid tumors and leukemias with the lowest cure rates, as well as rare cancers with no current therapeutic alternatives.

A significant part of the research effort also supports cross-cutting projects aimed at improving diagnosis and prognosis for all patients. Furthermore, the team develops personalized rescue treatments when standard protocols fail, regardless of cancer type.