February 15th is observed as Childhood Cancer Day, a day remembering the innocent lives battling paediatric cancer and raising awareness regarding this life-threatening disease. It is no less than a devastating instance to know about a child being diagnosed with cancer. The affected child and their family are deeply affected. Although the medical field has many advancements, paediatric cancer remains a major challenge and concern across the globe.
Let us understand this health concern, find better ways to handle it & know more about Childhood cancer support.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Children or adolescents (below 19 years of age) diagnosed with cancer are known to have been diagnosed with childhood cancer. Also referred to as paediatric cancer, it often occurs due to genetic mutations instead of environmental or lifestyle factors. The common types of paediatric cancerare:
- Leukaemia (blood cancer)
- Brain and spinal cord tumours
- Wilms tumour (kidney cancer)
- Neuroblastoma (affecting nerve tissue)
- Bone cancer (Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma)
- Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s)
As compared to previous years when the medical facility was in a development phase, paediatric cancer survival rates have significantly increased. However, the treatment phase remains challenging for the patient and their families.
Childhood Cancer Statistics Australia
- In 2022, 93 children aged between 0 and 14 encountered deaths due to cancer.
- In 2020, the most common childhood cancers in Australia were acute lymphoid leukaemia, lymphoma, and brain cancer.
- In 2019, about 1078 children and adolescents were diagnosed with cancer.
- In Australia, cancer is more common in boys child/adolescents than in girls.
- One-third of childhood cancers are diagnosed among children aged 0 – 4 years.
- Two-thirds of children who survived cancer witness long-term effects.
[Source: Children Cancer Foundation Australia]
Survival rate
- An Average of 22% of children will survive brain cancer.
- The overall survival rate for childhood cancer has increased to over 80%.
- The five-year relative survival rate for children aged 0–14 was 84% for all cancers from 2010–2015. [Source: Australian Institute of Health & Welfare]
Methods for Handling Childhood Cancer
Handling childhood cancer takes a multifaceted approach. The combined efforts of emotional support, medical intervention, research advancements, and acceptance realise the meaning of Childhood Cancer Day.
1. Early Detection and Diagnosis:
When detected earlier, cancer in children can be battled with a better approach. Timely diagnosis also increases survival rates among children and adolescents. Parents and caregivers could look for these early warning signs, including:
- Persistent fatigue
- Prolonged fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Unusual swelling or lumps
- Recurring headaches
- Abnormally repeating instances of vomiting
If you cannot identify what’s wrong with your child’s health, reach out to a Paediatrician. They can play a vital role in diagnosing the symptoms and detecting any major health issue through blood or imaging tests, biopsies, etc.
2. Access to Effective Treatment:
If the child is diagnosed with cancer, their treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer. Here are some former treatment options:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
- Bone Marrow Transplants
- Immunotherapy
Even if progress is seen worldwide, a lot of countries are still struggling with insufficient healthcare resources. Therefore, International Childhood Cancer Day is a campaign to increase awareness worldwide.
3. Support for Affected Families:
Make sure to extend your emotional and financial support to someone you know. If you are living in Australia, look for childhood cancer support organizations providing counselling, accommodation support, or peer support programs.
4. Advancing Paediatric Cancer Research:
No wonder childhood cancer survival rates are improving. Thanks to advancements in medical research. Global medical experts and scientists are consistently refining and innovating treatment methods for reducing the side effects of cancer drugs while making them more effective. From personalized medicines to targeted therapies and clinical trials, a lot is under research currently.
5. Global and Local Advocacy Efforts:
Many global organizations and awareness attempts like Childhood Cancer Day Australia are spreading awareness on the international platform. They aim to promote research funding too. They are vocal for:
- Hosting awareness campaigns
- Organizing fundraising events
- Encouraging government policies for paediatric cancer funding
- Supporting international collaboration on cancer research
Encouraging Hope: The Future of Childhood Cancer Treatment
Battling cancer is a challenging instance but medical advancements are brewing hope for paediatric cancer patients. The future seems brighter due to treatments getting less toxic and more effective. This ultimately increases survival rates with numerous early screening programs available.
In Australia, Childhood Cancer treatment is focused on precision medicine with key aspects like:
- Personalized medicines
- Immunotherapy
- “Zero Childhood Cancer” program and more…
How Individuals Can Contribute?
- Donate to childhood cancer research and support organizations.
- Participate in fundraising events like marathons and charity drives.
- Volunteer at hospitals and non-profits providing cancer support.
- Spread awareness on social media using hashtags like #ChildhoodCancerDay.
- Be vocal about better healthcare policies to ensure children get the best treatment.
Conclusion
Cancer is a challenging health concern and a life-changing event, be it with adults or children. This Childhood Cancer Day 2025, let’s pledge towards brewing hope for children fighting this disease. Be cautious if you have children and try to detect the signs earlier so that an effective treatment approach can be availed for them. If you know families with pediatric cancer cases, try to support them emotionally and financially to unload the burden possible. Above all, let’s see children with cancer as warriors and make sure no child faces it alone. Stand together in this battle & spread smiles.
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FAQs
How is International Childhood Cancer Day observed worldwide?
International Childhood Cancer Day is observed in several ways, for instance:
- Fundraising events
- Awareness campaigns
- Support programs
- Policy advocacy to improve pediatric cancer treatment and research globally
What are the goals of International Childhood Cancer Day 2025?
These are the main goals of Childhood Cancer Day 2025:
- Increase awareness & funding for research
- Support affected children & families
- Improve access to quality cancer care in children
How many children are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide?
Around 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide. The survival rate varies according to access to healthcare and availability of treatment.
What are the main challenges in treating childhood cancer?
Late diagnosis, limited access to qualitative cancer treatment in underdeveloped countries, costly treatments, long-term side effects of aggressive cancer therapies, etc are some of the main challenges.
Can childhood cancer be treated with surgery?
Yes, certain types of solid tumours can be treated with surgery in children. However, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is also required as a combined approach with surgery.