February 15 marks International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD). On this day, the global cancer community recognizes ICCD in a collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer. In addition, the campaign encourages all to express support for children with cancer, survivors of childhood cancer, and their support systems.
Every year, more than 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally. The rate of survival is dependent on where in the world the child is.
History
In September of 2018 the WHO created the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. This initiative was started with the goal of raising the survival rate of children diagnosed with cancer to at least 60% globally. As it stands, higher income counties have a rate of 80%. In opposition to this, less wealthy nations have a survival rate of just 20%.
The three-year campaign for Internation Childhood Cancer Day spans 2021 through 2023. It uses the universal image of colorful painted handprints of children. This symbolizes survival rates for children with cancer globally.
2021 focused on the specific theme #throughourhands. The focus with this theme was on giving tribute to the children with cancer. In addition to this, the campaign salutes their attributes, their strength, and the mark their lives have on the world and the potential they have to change the world.
In 2022, the specific theme was #throughyourhands. This emphasized paying tribute to the health care team that makes treatment possible, and the impact they have on the care of children and adolescents with cancer.
What You Can Do
This year, the theme is #throughtheirhands to honor the families and caregivers of children with cancer, and the impact they have on the lives of those children.
To participate in this initiative, you can show your support to #ThroughTheirHands by visiting the ICCD website and filling out a handprint and message.
To learn more about ICCD, visit the following websites.
International Childhood Cancer Day – Better Survival is achievable #throughourhands (iccd.care)
