Support International Childhood Cancer Day to make a difference

GET on board and be a part of International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on 15 February.

ICCD is a global collaborative campaign which raises awareness about childhood cancer, and aims to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

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This campaign highlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.

Globally, every year, more than 400 000 children and adolescents below 20, are diagnosed with cancer.

The rate of survival depends on the region, with at least 80% survival in most high-income countries, but as low as 20% only in low and middle income countries.

The South African Children’s Tumour Registry reports about 1 000 new cases a year for children under the age of 16, which is an increase from 10 years ago.

The survival rate of cancer in children in South Africa is around 55% and seems to be on the rise.

The Target Goal of the WHO Global Childhood Cancer Initiative is to eliminate all pain and suffering of children fighting cancer and achieve at least 60% survival for all children diagnosed with cancer around the world by 2030.

This represents an approximate doubling of the current cure rate and will save an additional one million children’s lives over the next decade.

Individuals can show their support of children and teenagers living with cancer by participating in CHOC’s second Flip Flop Day Campaign on 12 February.

The first Flip Flop Day raised well over R1,5 million, which made a difference and aided the fight against childhood cancer.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is the largest non-profit organisation working in the field of childhood cancer.

Services are provided to approximately 2 500 children, teenagers and their families.

Core services are aimed at ensuring that all children are diagnosed with cancer and receive the care and support they need to increase their chance of survival.

Services provided are:
1. Emotional support through their cancer journey as well as palliative, end-of-life care and bereavement support.
2. Practical support for patients and families including essential care bags, nutritional food support, bereavement support, accommodation, transport to and from treatments and educational and awareness programmes on the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
3. Awareness and training in the Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer to the greater community as well as health professions. Training includes the Silian Early Warning Signs, myths and stigmas and referral pathways.

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