You Can Help Raise Awareness During International Childhood Cancer Day
February 15 is International Childhood Cancer Day. Each year throughout the world, more than 400,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 are diagnosed with cancer.
The survival rate depends largely on where patients live. In higher income countries such as the United States, the survival rate is about 80%. In lower income countries, it can be as low as 20%.
There are many reasons for this gap. In lower-income countries, there may not be as many doctors, clinics, and hospitals available for families. In some cases, cancer is not caught early enough so that it can be successfully treated. Families may not be able to pay for care.
Many different international groups are working together to improve cancer care for all children. The World Health Organization Global Cancer Initiative aims to increase the global survival rate to 60% by 2030.
We can all do our part to help raise awareness. If you know someone affected by childhood cancer, let them know you care and offer to help in some way if you can.
One way to help is share Together. Powered by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we offer trustworthy, easy-to-understand medical information, practical resources, and shared stories from childhood cancer patients and families who have experienced cancer. Together is available in 8 languages.
- Our About Pediatric Cancer section has information about more than 30 different types of childhood cancer.
- Our Diagnosis and Treatment section has articles on cancer diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and a comprehensive list of medications.
- In Care and Support, we talk about managing side effects, promoting physical and mental health, nutrition, and integrative medicine.
- In our For Families section, we have articles on keeping up with school during cancer treatment, early childhood development for young cancer patients, support for parents, information about finances and insurance, and resources for families who have lost a child to cancer.
- Life After Cancer is dedicated to long-term survivors of cancer.
- We have a mini-site called Teens&20s that focuses on cancer patients and survivors who are 13 and older. It includes videos of them sharing their stories.
Through information and resources, we can offer families strength, hope, and encouragement.
For more information about International Childhood Cancer Day, visit the ICCD site.
