Marjerrison’s survivorship research continues legacy of advancements in childhood cancer

Childhood cancer, as the leading cause of death by disease, casts a somber shadow on the lives of many Canadian families.    

Childhood Cancer Canada reports that more than 10,000 children, adolescents, and young adults across the country are currently undergoing cancer treatment or participating in a follow-up program in their journey with this disease. 

Stacey Marjerrison, an associate professor of pediatrics and oncologist at McMaster Children’s Hospital, is pioneering work aimed at reshaping the landscape of pediatric oncology for families in Canada and worldwide.  

Her appointment as the inaugural recipient of the Ronald Barr Professorship in Pediatric Oncology signifies a commitment to advancing childhood cancer care through education, research, and clinical expertise nurtured at McMaster University and McMaster Children’s Hospital.  

The role draws inspiration from its namesake, emeritus professor of pediatrics, Ronald Barr, renowned for his global reputation in child health research and advocacy. Barr’s work focuses on ensuring access to essential medicines, the late effects of cancer treatment, and measuring health status and quality of life in children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries.  

In 2022, Barr received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. Among his notable achievements is the establishment of a new discipline within pediatric oncology in North America known as adolescent and young adult cancer (AYA), which significantly enhanced the quality of care for this distinctive population. 

With an impressive 50-year legacy of supporting advancements in childhood cancer, Barr says, “There is a necessity to continue (this work) by appointing colleagues to carry the torch.” He firmly believes Marjerrison is the ideal choice for this role, given her dedication to engaging with colleagues who practice in low- and middle-income countries, where almost 90% of children with cancer live. 

Marjerrison’s research, supported by the Barr Professorship, focuses on enhancing care for children with cancer and understanding the interaction between socio-demographic determinants of health and malignancy. Her work aligns with McMaster’s vision of building on Barr’s legacy and establishing a world-class pediatric oncology program.  Her research applies a health equity lens to cancer survivorship, with a specific focus on evaluating the impact of After-Care clinics on healthcare utilization of childhood cancer survivors in Ontario.  

To support Marjerrison’s childhood cancer research and other disciplines in pediatric education, research, and clinical care, consider giving to McMaster. Donate now.