International Childhood Cancer Day

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“Families fighting childhood cancer should not have to worry about where they are going to get the next dose of the drug they need to save their child’s life.”-Amy Klobuchar. Globally, more than 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) observed on February 15th is a global call to action in the fight against childhood cancer. International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day was established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, that aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer and how it impacts kids, adolescents, their parents and family as a whole worldwide. Childhood Cancer International was founded in the year 1994 and includes some 170 parent support organizations, associations for children in remission or support groups in almost 90 different countries across five continents. The day honours children who have battled cancer and those who mobilize support for research and funding initiatives. It is estimated that more than 413,000 cases of childhood cancer occurred in the world in 2022. Approximately 80% of the world’s children with cancer live in low-to-middle income countries where only 20% will survive this in comparison to high-come countries where the survival rates are greater than 80%. Cancer is a large group of diseases that can affect any organ or tissue of the body. It refers to the abnormal growth of cells that divide uncontrollably. Cancer has the ability to spread from one body part/ organ/ tissue to another. The American Cancer Society states that the types of cancers that occur most often in children are different from those seen in adults. Among the most common cancers in children are: Leukemia, Wilms Tumor, Brain and Spinal cord tumors, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Retinoblastoma, Neuroblastoma and Bone cancer (including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma). The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that recent medical advances increases the survival rate in high-income countries, where more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer will survive. Yet only about 20% of children diagnosed with cancer will survive in some low- and middle-income countries. This special day is commemorated in order raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 30,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from this disease. The latest estimates show that in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, more than 70% of all children with a cancer diagnosis died in 2022. Unlike cancer in adulthood, the underlying factors that contribute to childhood cancer are poorly understood, and only a small fraction of childhood cancers can be prevented. This means that the recovery of these children largely depends on the capacity of healthcare systems to ensure timely diagnosis, early referral and appropriate treatment. Parents, general practitioners and pediatricians play a vital role in detecting childhood cancer early on. It is crucial to know the early signs and symptoms of certain cancers and stay on the lookout for them in your children. Global Partnership Needed. In order to strengthen the health system response to childhood cancer, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are collaborating with the Ministries of Health, pediatric oncologists, and foundations to develop National Childhood Cancer Plans within the framework of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). We all have a role in the fight against childhood cancer. As a result the following suggestions may be useful. Without a doubt, we can also use our social media platforms in order to promote awareness and education regarding childhood cancer. Additionally, we can donate to nonprofit organizations; volunteering our time and by giving support to a family member or friend who is struggling with cancer. The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer awareness. Gold represents the high value of the lives of children and adolescents with cancer. On this International Childhood Cancer Day, a global effort is required from international partners in order to work to decrease these disparities and improve the survival rates of all children everywhere by sharing knowledge, technology and organizational skills. In the words of Desmond Tutu, hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #InternationalChildhoodCancerDay #GoGold

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