The Philippine Society of Pediatric Oncology in collaboration with Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc. and Davao Medical Center Department of Pediatrics held its third regional conference with this year’s theme “Childhood Cancer: The Anatomy and Physiology of Hope” yesterday at Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.

PSPO president Dr. Ma. Beatriz “Bea” Gepte informed the participants who are mostly doctors specializing in pediatric oncology and some nurses as well that the regional conference aims to increase the awareness on childhood cancer aside from being its continuing medical education.

Gepte emphasized the need to get early treatment for the survival of cancer patients especially children.

Pediatric oncologist Dr. Mae Dolendo said there is an anatomy and physiology of hope for these cancer kids. The hope includes the moral support given by several partner agencies, medical colleagues, friends, and her family as well. As a result, there were some improvements going on in the services given to cancer patients.

Dolendo said childhood cancer is curative. However, in our country particularly in Davao City or at Davao Medical Center it remains a struggle for both the cancer patients and the concerned families. Despite that, she still hopes for a Pediatric Cancer in Mindanao to be established soon.