International Childhood Cancer Day: The significance and history of the day
Almost 1 500 children in South Africa are fighting cancer.
EACH year, February 15 marks International Childhood Cancer Day, a pivotal occasion dedicated to highlighting the unique hurdles faced by children battling cancer.
Cancer takes a heavy toll on the lives of those battling the disease and strikes fear into the hearts of families worldwide. Regrettably, each year witnesses an alarming number – roughly 400 000 – of children and adolescents aged 0–19 grappling with this relentless disease. South Africa accounts for almost 1 500 of this global number.
Also read: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: CANSA launches support programme for youngsters with cancer
Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers often lack identifiable causes, with environmental and lifestyle factors playing a minimal role.
Survival rates vary by region, with most high-income countries boasting an 80% survival rate, contrasting starkly with as low as 20% survival in low and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organisation’s Global Childhood Cancer Initiative’s overarching objective is to eradicate the pain and anguish endured by children battling cancer. By 2030, the initiative aims to achieve a minimum of 60% survival for all paediatric cancer patients worldwide.
This ambitious target signifies a near doubling of the current cure rate, promising to preserve an additional one million young lives over the coming decade.
International Childhood Cancer Day fosters a heightened sense of gratitude and enhanced comprehension regarding the issues and hurdles associated with childhood cancer, affecting children and adolescents undergoing treatment, survivors, their families and society at large. Additionally, it underscores the imperative for improved and fairer access to treatment and care for every child with cancer, regardless of location.
The community, parents and caregivers are urged to familiarise themselves with the Siluan Early Warning Signs:
- S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms
- I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball
- L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands
- U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising and bleeding
- A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures
- N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with/without vomiting and enlarged head
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