A cross-sectional study of the socio-demographic and epidemiological factors associated with childhood cancer in Cali, Colombia*

This study investigates the occurrence of childhood cancer between the years 2015 and 2016 in the city of Cali, Colombia, with respect to: a) sociodemographic characteristics, b) type of cancer, c) epidemiological weeks of cancer and d) comparative survival according to health system affiliation by consolidating the records notified to the municipal health secretariat. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups analysed in relation to the variables related to the type of cancer (p 1/4 0.006). With respect to the proportion of cancer mortality between the years 2015???2016 there was no significant change, even though survival increased in the year 2016. The implications for collective health and public policies in Latin America are discussed.

Automated summary

This study investigates the occurrence of childhood cancer in the city of Cali, Colombia between 2015 and 2016. Significant differences were found in relation to the type of cancer. Despite an increase in survival rates in 2016, there was no significant change in the proportion of cancer mortality. The study has important implications for collective health and public policies in Latin America.