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The statistics of neighboring countries suggest there are around 600 cases of pediatric cancer per year in Cambodia, 200 of which seek medical treatment. In developed nations like Japan, upwards of 80% of children survive this devastating diagnosis, but that number is only 20% in Cambodia. This shocking disparity is why we decided to open our own pediatric oncology ward at Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center.

There are many barriers to that prevent families from being able to access lifesaving medical treatments. Not least of which is the exorbitant costs of seeking quality treatment in neighboring countries. Furthermore, treatment in Cambodia is often ineffective due to mistaken diagnoses and a lack of knowledge about pediatric cancers. As most families do not have the option to seek treatment overseas, our treatment is cost free for the patients so they focus on healing.

Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center opened its pediatric ward in 2018. Since then our hospital has treated dozens of patients with the most serious cancers. Before we opened our doors, there were no facilities in Cambodia that could treat solid pediatric cancers. Highly skilled surgeons from Japan working together with Japan Heart’s local medical professionals have increased cancer survival to more than 50% at our hospital. We are working hard to bring that number even higher by spreading awareness of cancer symptoms through our channels.

Japan Heart specializes in treating malignant abdominal solid type tumors and pediatric cancers such as neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, nephroblastoma and others. Our pediatric ward is isolated from the other wards and can hold around 28 patients. One member of their family can stay during long-term treatment which is free of charge.