International Childhood Cancer Day

The World Health Organisation (WHO) first commemorated the International Childhood Cancer Day in 2002. Since then, it has been internationally observed on 15 February annually.

International Childhood Cancer Day is held to create awareness of cancer in children, and to express support for children with cancer, the survivors, and their families.

According to the Pan American Health Organisation, more than 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer every year. It is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents worldwide, with a record of 90,000 fatalities each year. Unfortunately, 80% of these children live in poor and developing countries.

As a result, WHO targets to help children fight cancer and achieve at least 60% survival, by 2030.

Immediate detection and measurable treatment can cure 80-90% of children with cancer. The first crucial step is to identify the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for parents and healthcare workers to know the symptoms of cancer in children, which include:
• Paleness
• Difficulty in moving or walking
• Bleeding easily
• Fever
• Weakness
• Bruising
• Swelling without pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Night sweats
• Pupil changes
• Loss of vision, and
• Headaches in the morning.

Cancer in children can be prevented by providing them with healthy and balanced diet and encouraging them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Teaching children at a young age about lifestyle-related risk factors and cancer-prevention strategies can help them adopt lifetime habits and lower their risk of getting cancer later in life.