CHEO receives international certification as MASCC Center of Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer

CHEO is among four Ontario hospitals with specialized childhood cancer programs to receive a first-in-Canada prestigious international certification recognizing excellent supportive care for children and youth with cancer.

CHEO, SickKids, Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre and McMaster Children’s Hospital, are now certified by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) as Centers of Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer.

“This recognition speaks to the unimaginable work of our trailblazing team who continuously enhances the quality of care for children and youth with cancer,” says Donna Johnston, Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology at CHEO.

Supportive care refers to the prevention and management of the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment. This includes the management of physical and psychological symptoms and side effects of treatment, such as infections, prevention of nausea and vomiting, nutrition, physiotherapy and psychosocial support. Supportive care aims to improve the quality of rehabilitation, secondary cancer prevention, survivorship and end-of-life care.

“Supportive care is integral to the services we provide to children and youth who are navigating a cancer diagnosis, says Tejinder Bains, Oncology Pharmacist and Oncology Pharmacy Team Lead at CHEO. "Preventing and managing chemotherapy side effects increases the quality of life for our young ones and their families.”

MASCC certification recognizes oncology centers for integrating the highest standards of comprehensive supportive care services with cancer treatment. CHEO and other recipient hospitals provide comprehensive supportive care to pediatric oncology patients. Working in partnership with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), CHEO ensures patients and families impacted by childhood cancer have access to the best care and support, including through POGO’s Interlink, Transitions, AfterCare, and Satellite Clinic services, and implementation of POGO’s evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

MASCC certification is valid for three years.