Every year on February 15, the world observes International Childhood Cancer Day to raise awareness about the disease and support children and their families facing its challenges. The day provides space to acknowledge their pain and struggles, emphasizing the need for specialized pediatric oncology care, including treatment strategies, pain management, and home care.
The International Childhood Cancer Organization launched this day to ensure children receive optimal care, focusing on awareness of different cancer types and available treatments. Annually, more than 400,000 children and adolescents under 20 are diagnosed with cancer. Despite being a leading cause of death among children, mortality rates have declined in recent years thanks to medical advancements.
Survival rates vary globally, reaching up to 80% in high-income countries, while they may drop to 20% in middle- and low-income countries. International initiatives emphasize equitable access to treatment, aiming to empower children to overcome the challenges posed by the disease and improve quality of life, targeting a 60% survival rate in line with the WHO’s childhood cancer strategy.
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