Promoting health care for children with cancer in Taiwan

In Taiwan cancer has become the second leading cause of death of children, subjecting healthcare professionals to new challenges in carrying out their duties. Not only is the treatment long, but relapses often occur, requiring expensive, repeated hospitalization and appropriate care. To help families cope with the financial burden of long treatments, nurse researchers involved in a study of the cost pressures of such treatment literally went to the streets--including a TV programme on the plight of these children and their families--and collected financial contributions from both the public and medical professions. Thanks to their efforts a Childhood Cancer Foundation is now aiding these children and their families both financially and morally. Below, a report on how the nursing profession took action to involve the community and government in a collective effort.