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Every year on February 15, we come together to raise awareness and support for children battling cancer on International Childhood Cancer Day. This day was first declared in 2002 by the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) Coalition, with the goal of highlighting the need for more resources, treatment options, and research towards childhood cancer. It's a day to honor the strength and resilience of these young warriors and their families, while also spreading hope and inspiring others to join the fight against this disease. So let's unite and make a difference in the lives of these brave children!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Pediatric Oncology Units</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first pediatric oncology units started to be established in developed countries, kick-starting an era of specialized care for children with cancer.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Progress in Childhood Cancer Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>There was significant progress in childhood cancer treatment, increasing the survival rate for many common types of pediatric cancers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of ICCD</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) was first declared by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology and Childhood Cancer International, emphasizing the need for concerted global actions to address this issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer with the goal of increasing survival rates globally to 60% by 2030.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advocacy for Global Policy Changes</div><div class='timeline-text'>ICCD and other organizations gain traction in their advocacy for policy changes to bring childhood cancer to the forefront of global health agendas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Impacts Childhood Cancer Care</div><div class='timeline-text'>The global pandemic presented unprecedented challenges in delivering care and treatment for childhood cancer, highlighting the need for resilient health systems.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. This could be a charity dinner, a walk/run event, or a silent auction.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a children's hospital</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a local children's hospital that specializes in treating childhood cancer. Bring books, toys, and games to help bring some joy to the patients.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create care packages for pediatric cancer patients</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather items like coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and other small gifts to create care packages for children undergoing cancer treatment. These can be delivered to hospitals or sent to families with children battling cancer.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information about childhood cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment. Use hashtags like #InternationalChildhoodCancerDay and #GoGold to join the conversation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a movie night fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a movie night and charge a small admission fee. Donate the proceeds to a childhood cancer organization or hospital. You can also sell snacks and drinks to raise additional funds.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for childhood cancer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Childhood Cancer Day shines a spotlight on a disease that affects thousands of children and their families every year. By spreading awareness, we can educate people about the realities of pediatric cancer and work towards finding better treatments.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports research and funding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With increased attention comes increased support for research and funding. International Childhood Cancer Day provides an important platform for organizations and individuals to advocate for more resources to be put towards finding cures and helping those affected by childhood cancer.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It shows solidarity with those affected by childhood cancer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By participating in events or activities on International Childhood Cancer Day, we show our support and solidarity with children who are battling cancer, as well as their families. It sends a powerful message of love and hope to those who may feel alone in their fight against this terrible disease.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Childhood Cancer is Less Common than Adult Cancer</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cancer in children is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all new cancer cases in most countries. However, it remains a leading cause of death for children and adolescents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Leukemia is the Most Common Type of Cancer in Children</h3><p class='facts-content'>Leukemia, a type of blood cancer, accounts for approximately one-third of all childhood cancers. It affects the bone marrow and blood, impairing the body's ability to fight infections.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Survival Rates for Childhood Cancer Have Improved Significantly Over Time</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to advances in treatment, the average 5-year survival rate for children with cancer now exceeds 80%. Early diagnosis and continued research are instrumental in improving these rates further.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Childhood Cancer Survivors Face Long-Term Health Issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>Up to two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors may face long-term physical, psychological or cognitive effects, due to the cancer itself, treatment or both. It is important to provide ongoing medical and psychological care to these individuals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>High Costs of Treatment Pose a Significant Challenge</h3><p class='facts-content'>The cost of cancer treatment can be a significant financial burden for many families. Advocacy and assistance programs play a crucial role in meeting these challenges and ensuring access to care for all children.</p></div></div>
International Childhood Cancer Day is celebrated on February 15 every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Thursday.
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Feb 15
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