According to Childhood cancer Foundation South Africa, the country has one of the lowest survival rates when it comes to childhood cancers.
Every year more than 300 000 children between birth to 19 years are diagnosed with cancer around the world.
8 out 10 of these children live in low and middle-income countries where their survival rate is often near 20%.
In South Africa the diagnose rate should be 2500 a year but only 1500 children are diagnosed. Less than half of that number are detected and diagnosed, meaning the survival rate is less than 55%.
Last September, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced at the United Nations General Assembly of a new global initiative to address the disparity between childhood cancer survival in low-middle versus high-income countries.
So to mark the day and raise awareness, the 15th of February 2019 is International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), it is a global initiative is celebrated around the world and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) has announced that they too will be committed to working with its international partners.
Including WHO, Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and others, leading their hand in the global effects to reduce childhood cancer mortality and the elimination of cancer-related pain and suffering.
CHOC SA hopes through their training and early awareness warnings programme will help improve the survival rates in childhood cancer.
On the day, 15th February, CHOC encourages corporates, schools and individuals to “Have a heart for children living with cancer” by purchasing and wear an ICCD badge, heart pin or bracelet to the spread the word.
For more information visit the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation website – www.choc.org.za
To purchase your ICCD merchandise from a CHOC office near you or contact the CHOC National office on 086 111 3500 or email taryn.seegers@choc.org.za
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WATCH: International Childhood Cancer Day set to raise awareness
