MANAGING CHILDREN WITH CANCER IN THE COMMUNITY

Key words: Cancer, Community, Management

Cancer in childhood are rare but the management of children affected by neoplasm presents many clinical and organization problems. The collaborative project between the Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Departments of ASO “OIRM-St. Anna”, Turin, and the Paediatric Service of “SS. Annunziata” Hospital, Savigliano, is an important experience. The collaboration started in January, 2000, and up to now 33 paediatric patients have been followed co-operatively. The co-ordinated management of these children required the acquisition of new knowledge and skills for its implementation. The article describes the role played by the community hospital as well as by the family paediatricians in taking care of these patients. Further steps to improve the management are also identified.