International Childhood Cancer Day

The South-West Regional Health Authority joins the world in recognising International Childhood Cancer Day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) uses the term “childhood cancer” to designate cancers that arise in children before the age of 15 years. The WHO also estimates that the overall incidence rates of childhood cancer vary between 50 and 200 per million children across the world.

This year’s theme is “Better Access to Care for Children and Adolescents Everywhere”. This is in accordance with the UN Rights of the Child which states that children have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health. You can join the global campaign by focusing on raising awareness about childhood cancer, lending support for children with cancer and promoting a deeper understanding of challenges and issues encountered by children living with cancer.

To show support and solidarity for International Childhood Cancer Day, stand up and speak out for children living with cancer, encourage parents to seek early diagnosis and quality care for their children and educate others on childhood cancer. Together, we can create change and make life better for children and adolescents with cancer.