Letter of the Day | Tackling childhood cancer is critical
Published:Saturday | February 17, 2024 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Globally, more than 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer daily. International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) observed on February 15 is a global call to action in the fight against childhood cancer. International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day was established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, that aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer and how it impacts kids, adolescents, their parents and family as a whole worldwide. Childhood Cancer International was founded in the year 1994 and includes some 170 parent support organisations, associations for children in remission or support groups in almost 90 different countries across five continents. The day honours children who have battled cancer and those who mobilize support for research and funding initiatives.
It is estimated that more than 413,000 cases of childhood cancer occurred around the world in 2022. Approximately 80 per cent of the world’s children with cancer live in low-to-middle income countries where only 20 per cent will survive in comparison to high-come countries where the survival rates are greater than 80 per cent. Cancer is a large group of diseases that can affect any organ or tissue of the body. It refers to the abnormal growth of cells that divide uncontrollably. Cancer has the ability to spread from one body part/ organ/ tissue to another.
This special day is commemorated in order raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 30,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from this disease. The latest estimates show that in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, more than 70 per cent of all children with a cancer diagnosis died in 2022. Unlike cancer in adulthood, the underlying factors that contribute to childhood cancer are poorly understood, and only a small fraction of childhood cancers can be prevented. This means that the recovery of these children largely depends on the capacity of health systems to ensure timely diagnosis, early referral and appropriate treatment. Parents, general practitioners and paediatricians play a vital role in detecting childhood cancer early on. It is crucial to know the early signs and symptoms of certain cancers and stay on the lookout for them in your children.
In order to strengthen the health system response to childhood cancer, the Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are collaborating with the Ministries of Health, paediatric oncologists, and foundations to develop National Childhood Cancer Plans within the framework of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. We all have a role in the fight against childhood cancer. As a result the following suggestions may be useful. We can use our platforms to promote awareness and education regarding childhood cancer. Additionally, we can donate to nonprofit organisations; volunteering our time and by giving support to a family member or friend who is struggling with cancer. The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer awareness. Gold represents the high value of the lives of children and adolescents with cancer. A global effort is required from international partners in order to work to decrease these disparities and improve the survival rates of all children everywhere by sharing knowledge, technology and organisational skills.
WAYNE CAMPBELL