The Importance Of International Childhood Cancer Day:

February 15th marks International Childhood Cancer Day – a global campaign initiated by Childhood Cancer International to raise awareness about child cancer. This initiative was established in 2002 to highlight the causes, effects, and treatment of cancer in children. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adults globally. In Latin America and the Caribbean, at least 29,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 are estimated to be affected by cancer annually.

The World Health Organization launched a global initiative in 2018 to reduce the survival gap for children suffering from cancer worldwide.The goal is to ensure that at least 60% of children diagnosed with cancer to survive. GICC is a collaborative effort involving WHO on a global, regional, and country-specific level, in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells undergo genetic changes and grow uncontrollably into a mass or tumor, which can then spread to other parts of the body. There may be deadly results if treatment is not received. Shockingly, every year, more than 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, but only half of them receive a proper diagnosis. About 70% children of low and middle-income countries, along with 20% of children in high-income countries, are not cured of the disease.

There are several ways to get involved in making a positive impact on children with cancer. You can promote awareness and education, volunteer locally or online, offer support to a family in need, and host a fundraiser.