Quintana Roo Officials Highlight Pediatric Cancer Network on International Awareness Day

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — On International Childhood Cancer Day, Governor Mara Lezama and Verónica Lezama, honorary president of the Quintana Roo DIF family services agency, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to children and adolescents battling cancer, highlighting a strengthened pediatric oncology network.

“This day calls us to what we value most: our girls, boys and adolescents who face the hard battle against cancer. Behind every percentage there’s a story of bravery,” said Governor Lezama, emphasizing that governing involves listening to families fighting daily for their children’s health.

Accompanied by Verónica Lezama, she detailed that the state now has a pediatric oncology care network comprising three coordinated hospitals.

Verónica Lezama explained that the Chetumal Oncology Hospital provides comprehensive care and specialized follow-up; the “Jesús Kumate Rodríguez” General Hospital in Cancún offers oncology services and chemotherapy; and the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) General Regional Hospital No. 17 has specialized staff and clinical monitoring programs.

“This network guarantees timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, permanent monitoring and multidisciplinary care for each patient,” she said.

She added that according to institutional census data, as of September 3, 2025, Quintana Roo treats 130 patients aged zero to 19 in cancer treatment; 66 percent are leukemia cases and 34 percent are solid tumors, including those of the central nervous system.

Additionally, through the state DIF, the “Caminando Juntos” shelter operates in Chetumal, offering free lodging, food, hygiene items, daily hospital transportation and 24-hour care for patients and their families. It’s located at Juan José Siordia and Milán streets in the 20 de noviembre neighborhood. The phone number is 983 129 2883.

The DIF honorary president also highlighted collaboration with the National Marrow Donor Program, a U.S.-based association dedicated to bone marrow donor registration. From 2023 through 2025, 1,144 registrations have occurred in Quintana Roo, saving 17 lives, primarily in leukemia cases.

Potential donors must be 18 to 35 years old, with the procedure involving a non-invasive swab sample. Upcoming registration drives will occur on February 18 at the Escuela Modelo and Health Sciences Division of the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo in Chetumal; February 19 at the Polytechnic University of Bacalar; and February 20 at Uqroo Cancún.

She noted that registration is simple through the link www.nmdomexico.org.

Governor Mara Lezama concluded, “Behind every percentage there’s a story of bravery. Behind every treatment, there’s a family that resists, that fights, that loves deeply. Behind every consultation, there’s hope.”

“Every bell that announces remission reminds us that it’s worth fighting, that hope is sustained with work, awareness, sensitivity and social justice. Today, February 15, we raise our voice for our girls, boys and adolescents,” she emphasized.

“We reaffirm our commitment to their health, their well-being and their future. In Quintana Roo, hope is built every day with love, commitment and the firm conviction that every life matters.”