Editorial: Should child psychiatry be more like paediatric oncology?

Looked at from a public health perspective, psychiatric disorders are devastating and cost humanity a tremendous amount of suffering as well as resources. On the other hand, childhood cancer is relatively rare and on a large scale, causes much less mortality and morbidity. Yet, when it comes to anything from public perception, to funding or to hyperbolic tabloid headlines, oncology wins hands down. Children with cancer are also better off when it comes to the quality of services and respect patients get from the health care system, treaters, and their own families. Also the cure rates for come childhood cancers, such as leukaemia, have improved dramatically. What can possibly explain such puzzling differences?