International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families. The theme for 2022 is ‘Better Survival’ is achievable #throughyourhands.
FACTS ABOUT CHILDHOOD CANCER
- Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide; approximately 280,000 children ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
- In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 29,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from this disease.
- In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, but in many low- and middle-income countries, the cure rate is about 20%
- The impact of childhood cancer translates into years of life lost, more significant inequalities, and economic difficulties. This situation can and should change.
WHAT PAHO DOES
To strengthen the health system response to childhood cancer, the Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are collaborating with the Ministries of Health, pediatric oncologists, and foundations to develop National Childhood Cancer Plans within the framework of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).
The GICC aims to reduce the suffering of children with cancer and achieve a cancer survival rate of at least 60% by 2030.
WORLDWIDE, ABOUT 300,000 CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ARE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER EACH YEAR.
The impact of childhood cancer translates into years of life lost,
more significant inequalities, and economic difficulties.
This situation can and should change.
Upcoming events
Conversaciones en vivo: Desafíos en la atención al cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe (only in Spanish)
Videos
Marina's story: a warrior in the fight to beat bone cancer
A difficult choice to save Valeria
The story of Elourdine: a warrior who defeated bone cancer
Story of Brianca fighting eye cancer (retinoblastoma)
Life after cancer: the story of Mariela, the brave girl from Beni (Bolivia)
Resources
Módulos sobre Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos (only in spanish)
Curso virtual de Diagnóstico Precoz de Cáncer en Niños y Adolescentes - 2021 (only in spanish)
Infographic: Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors
Infografía: Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos (only in spanish)