NNA - Beirut, 27 May 2025: CHANCE, The Children Against Cancer Association, brought together 140 psychologists from across Lebanon for its “Empowering Families: Psycho-Oncology Strategies for Paediatric Cancer Care” training day, the first ever national event dedicated only to pediatric psycho-oncology.
The full day intensive training, collaboration, and knowledge exchange event underscored both the urgency and deep enthusiasm among mental health professionals for capacity building in psycho-oncology.
“There is an urgent need to invest in and expand access to integrated psychosocial care for children living with cancer and their caregivers,” said Dr. Roula Farah, CHANCE (CHildren AgaiNst CancEr) Association President.
Research shows that up to 40% of cancer patients experience significant psychological distress, which can seriously affect treatment adherence and recovery. When the patient is a child, the impact of such distress ripples through the entire family, making psychological support not just beneficial, but essential. Despite this, psychological care in Lebanon remains underdeveloped and underfunded, leaving many vulnerable families without the support they desperately need.
The training was endorsed by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), the Lebanese Order of Psychologists (LOPsy), and Childhood Cancer International (CCI), and accredited with 7 LOPsy credits. It was led by Dr. Farah, who’s a professor of pediatric hematology/oncology at the Lebanese American University (LAU). The event featured insightful presentations by renowned Lebanese experts and leaders in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, art therapy professionals, and was developed in collaboration with international advisors ensuring a program grounded in both local relevance and global best practices.
A central message of the event was that comprehensive care for children with cancer must include psychological support. “Psychologists play a vital role not only in assisting young patients through the trauma of illness and treatment, but also in supporting parents and caregivers who often face overwhelming emotional, psycho-social and financial pressures,” added Farah.
Through this training, CHANCE Association has taken a significant step toward addressing these critical gaps. The initiative is designed to integrate psychological care as a core component of paediatric cancer treatment, strengthen the capacity of mental health professionals, and establish unified assessment tools for nationwide use. As part of this broader effort, CHANCE will provide free structured psychological support to approximately 100 families in need in the coming months.
About CHANCE
CHANCE: A Lifeline for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders. Since its founding in 2002, CHANCE has been a beacon of hope for over 850 children and their families, covering more than 15,000 hospital admissions and securing over 5,000 essential medications. The association remains dedicated to ensuring every child, regardless of financial background, receives access to life-saving treatment. CHANCE has also led four national awareness campaigns on early diagnosis and detection of childhood cancer and blood diseases, as well as provided direct psycho-social support through activities such as art therapy and virtual reality. Following Lebanon's financial crisis and the 2020 Beirut explosion, CHANCE launched the Donate Medicine initiative, reducing waste by allowing people to donate their unused medications to those in need.
As an Associate Member of Childhood Cancer International (CCI) since 2006, CHANCE represents Lebanon in a global network of 189 organizations across 98 countries. Since 2014, Dr. Roula Farah, CHANCE founder and president has served on the Asia Regional Committee of CCI, advocating for the right to equal access to treatment for all children with cancer worldwide.
CHANCE was also recognized in 2015 as a top finalist for the best NGO award in health by Quality Systems International, Paris, and the United Nations Development Program. It is an active member of the United Nations Global Compact Network.
Since 2019, Dr. Farah has been a member of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Childhood Cancer Initiative Working Group. In 2020, she was nominated as a CCI representative for the WHO Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) region. In 2024, she was appointed as the CCI representative and co-focal point for the EMRO region towards the WHO for matters related to childhood cancer.
A Collective Responsibility for a Brighter Future Lebanon’s healthcare system is in crisis, but childhood cancer and serious blood disorders cannot wait. With survival rates reaching 80% globally where proper treatment is available, it is imperative to act now.
CHANCE calls upon policymakers, global partners, and the public to take action:
● Raise awareness and promote early diagnosis.
● Advocate for stronger healthcare policies supporting pediatric hematology and oncology.
● Support CHANCE’s initiatives to fund essential treatments and provide hope to children fighting cancer and blood disorders.
Join Us. Take Action. Be Their CHANCE. The fight against childhood cancer and blood diseases requires a united effort. No action is too small when a child’s life is at stake.
Together, we can turn hope into reality.
Together, we can inspire action.
Together, we can change lives.
For more information about Chance Association and its initiatives, please visit
https://chanceassociation.org/ or contact 70-812259
For volunteering, information or donations, visit CHANCE website: www.chanceassociation.org
Follow CHANCE association on IG and FB: @chanceassociation
Email: chanceassociation@gmail.com
Bank details:
Bank Name: CREDIT LIBANAIS SAL, Achrafieh Branch, Beirut, Lebanon
Account Holder: CHANCE Association (Children Against Cancer)
ACCOUNT
1H3532
IBAN USD
LB24 0053 001R USD0 0111 H353 2004
IBAN EURO
LB28 0053 001R EUR0 0111 H353 2005
SWIFT CODE
CLIBLBBX
