Abstract
Background: Pediatric cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. In Peru, structural barriers limit timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and proper epidemiological registration. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of the pediatric cancer population at INSN-Breña in 2024.
Methods: A retrospective, observational, and descriptive study based on the 2024 institutional cancer registry from the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (INSN) using the national epidemiological surveillance guideline.
Results: One hundred seventy-five cases of pediatric cancer were registered, of which 121 (69.1%) were malignant. Most patients came from Lima (56.2%). The most affected age group was 5–9 years (34.7%). The average diagnostic delay was 69 days. Histological confirmation was achieved in 97.7% of cases. Ten children died (8%) and 87.3% were referred to another institution for treatment.
Conclusions: Peru faces critical delays in childhood cancer diagnosis and inequities in access to care. National reforms are needed to decentralize services, improve early detection, and ensure integrated oncologic treatment.
Keywords
Childhood neoplasms, Diagnostic delay, Epidemiology, Health services accessibility, Medical oncology, Peru, Public health