Approximately 50 children in the French Antilles-Guyane region are diagnosed with cancer each year, with 15 to 20 cases occurring specifically in Martinique, according to the GIP Martinique Santé. This figure highlights the ongoing necessitate for improved pediatric cancer care access and resources in the area.
Sunday, February 15, 2026, marks World Childhood Cancer Day, bringing attention to the challenges faced by young patients and their families. While childhood cancer is the leading cause of mortality for individuals under 20 in France, with around 2,300 new cases diagnosed annually nationwide, survival rates are encouraging – approximately 80% of children with cancer are successfully treated when they receive appropriate care.
But, access to specialized oncopediatic care remains a significant hurdle in the Antilles-Guyane region. A shortage of physicians at the CHUM (University Hospital of Martinique) often necessitates that patients travel to mainland France for treatment. This situation underscores the importance of strengthening local healthcare infrastructure and coordination.
Efforts are underway to improve pediatric cancer care within Martinique, particularly at the MFME (Maison de la Femme et de la Mére et de l’Enfant) site of the CHU de la Martinique. Collaborations with institutions like the Institut Gustave-Roussy and other facilities in the Île-de-France region are also being established to minimize the disruption caused by travel for treatment.
“The Martinique today is organizing. There is an effort that is set in place, notably at the MFME on the site of the CHU of Martinique, to take care of these children affected by cancer. It must also be noted that collaborations are made with the Institut Gustave-Roussy, and other establishments in the Île-de-France zone. We are seeking to reduce the impact of these displacements on the children,”
said Guy-Albert Ruffin Duhamel, director of the GIP Martinique Santé. He added that he anticipates a return to normal staffing levels in the coming months, which should improve local treatment capabilities.
The ongoing efforts to bolster oncopediatic services in Martinique represent a critical step toward ensuring that children in the region receive timely and comprehensive cancer care closer to home.
