Childhood cancer is uncommon, yet it is the leading cause of mortality among children. There is a risk that parents would confuse the early indicators of cancer with those of viral diseases or accidents. Cancer affects an estimated 400,000 infants and adolescents aged 0 to 18. Leukemias, brain cancer, lymphomas, and solid tumours such as neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, and bone tumours are the most prevalent forms of childhood malignancies. While the majority of children malignancies are treatable, raising awareness about them is critical for improved results.
Significance
The International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed on February 15 each year as a day to increase cancer awareness among children and to express support for adolescents, children who are either suffering from cancer or have survived the disease, and their families.
Theme For 2022
The theme for this year is ‘Better Survival’ is feasible #throughyourhands as part of the three campaigns launched in 2021 for ICCD. It seeks to recognize the efforts of the medical team and health care professionals in making a real difference in the lives of children and adolescents with cancer, as well as vice versa. The topic is consistent with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). Last year, ICCD was marked with the hashtag #throughourhands to honor the bravery, resilience, and endurance of cancer-affected children and adolescents.
Written by Saumya Singh
Author’s bio:
Saumya Singh is a budding lifestyle and entertainment journalist. She believes that lifestyle journalism is not everyone’s cup of tea. She holds the view that just like hard stories, covering soft stories also deserves their appreciation because it is a part of journalism that appeals to t