A Pilot Study in a Recently Established Childhood Cancer Center for Evaluating the Priority of National Pediatric Cancer Registry

Background: Pediatric cancers account for nearly 2% of all cancers worldwide. In 2018, there were approximately 200,000 newly diagnosed cases of childhood cancer. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the need for a national pediatric cancer registry based on case incidence. Methods: This pilot study was conducted on 100 children with cancer who were treated in a recently established pediatric hematology oncology department of Golestan Hospital. Demographic and epidemiological data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results: Sixty-four percent of children with cancer were girls, and the average age of the patients was 7.6 ± 0.42 years. The most common types of cancer diagnosed were leukemia, brain tumor, lymphoma, and retinoblastoma respectively. Metastasis was confirmed in 11 cases. The most prevalent clinical manifestations of cancer included fever, weakness, loss of appetite, paleness, and weight loss. Conclusions: The results of this study align with global rates and data. Based on the findings, the authors emphasize the necessity and priority of establishing a pediatric cancer registry in Iran's health ministry. Therefore, all healthcare workers and specialists in pediatric hematology and oncology should make concerted efforts to establish this registry.