INTERNATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER DAY 2022.

 The international childhood cancer day is celebrated on 15th February every year. International childhood cancer day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescent with cancer, the survivors and their families. The theme for 2022 is " Better survival is achievable" with a hashstag #ThroughYourHands. The international childhood cancer day (ICCD) promotes increased appreciation and deeper understanding of issues and challenges impacting childhood cancer and the survivors. International childhood cancer day spotlights the need for more equitable and better access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere. Every year, more than 300,000 children and adolescents below 20 are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a disease that touches countless families and communities in all regions of the world. A global response is needed to give every child the best chance of surviving cancer and be cancer free. The rate of survival depends on the region, with 80% survival in most high income countries but as low as 20% in low and middle income countries. 2/3 of children cancer patients have long lasting chronic condition from treatment. 80% of children with cancer live in low and middle income countries.

Approximately 250 kids around the world die of cancer everyday. Every year an estimated 300,000 + new cases of cancer affect children under the age of 20 worldwide, that is over 800 new kids affected everyday. The average age of a child diagnosed with cancer is 6. The most common childhood cancer is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The best protection is early detection. Early detection is key to improve the survival rates of children and adolescent with cancer. With early diagnosis and excellent medical care, over 80% of children affected with cancer can survive. Cancer is a global problem and a leading cause of death for children and adolescents around the world. The international childhood cancer day (ICCD) is a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Every child has a right to affordable and quality care for cancer, with awareness there is hope, so let's spread the word. Today, we not only spread awareness about childhood cancer, but also celebrate and salute the little warriors who stand tall in the face of toughest odds. Cancer is engulfing the lives of children, let's spread awareness and fight for our children's future. Access to better care, affordable, quality medications and healthcare coverage will increase the survival rate of childhood cancer globally.

One area which has proven very difficult to overcome is the lack of accessibility to a reliable, consistent and affordable drug supply. The rates of treatment refusal and abandonment in many developing countries can reach more than 50% where families bear the total burden of treatment cost. Children with cancer in low and middle income countries have as little as 10-30% chance of cure compared to 80% or more in high income countries. The impact of childhood cancer translates into Years of life lost, more significant inequalities and economic difficulties. This situation can and should be change. One of the major causes of childhood cancer is a strong family history of cancer which may increase a child's risk of cancer, but these genes are extremely rare. Childhood cancers are almost always caused by a DNA mutation that is not inherited but happens randomly (acquired).

International childhood cancer day (ICCD) is a day we should call for solidarity in action, joining voices, connecting forces and bringing together different initiatives that respond to the needs of children and adolescents with cancer, their families and the survivors. The global initiative for childhood cancer (GICC) aims to reduce the suffering of children with cancer and achieve a cancer survival rate of at least 60% by 2030. The global initiative for childhood cancer is a joint effort of key stakeholders to improve results in childhood cancer outcomes.

#ICCD2022 #ThroughYourHands #WorldCancerDay2022 #WHO #UNICEF

Comrade Enobong Ekwere is a social influencer, blogger, human rights activist, SDGs advocate and a global citizen. He is the program manager of children and young people living for peace (CYPLP) a youth focused and a think-tank non-governmental organization based in Kaduna, Nigeria. He can be reached via Tel:+2347082558952

Email: julyenobong2020@gmail.com

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Website: www.cyplp.net.ng