Medicosnext
Words by Dr Anjali Pandit
She is a consultant pediatric Hematologist-oncologist and Bone marrow transplant specialist at Nepal cancer hospital and Research center. With over 10 years of experience, she has expertise in treating pediatric hematologic disorders and solid tumors in children and adolescents.
Childhood cancer remains a profoundly challenging reality for many families across the globe. Each year, thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer, leading to a life -altering journey filled with hospital visits, treatments and emotional struggles. Awareness months like February offer an opportunity to shine a light on the importance of understanding childhood cancer, supporting families, and advocating for Improved treatment and care.
Understanding childhood cancer
Childhood cancer refers to cancers occurring in children under the age of 19. Unlike cancers in adults, pediatric cancers are typically not linked to lifestyle or environmental factors. The result from DNA mutations in growing cells, often without a clear cause.
The most common type of childhood cancers include:
– Leukemia
– Brain and central nervous system tumors
– Neuroblastoma
– Lymphomas
– Wilms tumor
– Rhabdomyosarcoma
– Retinoblastoma
– Bone cancer including osteosarcoma and ewings sarcoma
Despite advances in medical science, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease related death in children worldwide. Approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed each year, and while survival rates have improved significantly, disparities exist in treatment access between high-income and low-income countries.
The importance of awareness
Educating the public: Awareness campaigns help people recognize early warning signs of childhood cancers, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or unusual lumps. Early detection often improves treatment outcomes.
Reducing stigma: Many families face isolation or misunderstanding due to the complexity of cancer treatments. Awareness efforts foster empathy and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease.
Encoring research and funding: childhood cancer research is underfunded compared to adult cancers. Awareness initiatives can drive donations and governmental support for more effective treatments.
Supportive families:
Awareness campaigns highlight the emotional, financial, and social struggles families endure, encouraging communities to rally around those affected.
February and its role in advocacy
While September is globally recognized as childhood cancer awareness month, February often holds special significance due to campaigns like international childhood cancer day (ICCD), observed on February 15. This day is a unifying occasion for the globe community to honor children battling cancer, survivors, and those who have tragically lost their lives.
ICCD, initiated by childhood cancer international, emphasizes the need for equitable access to care. The theme for 2025, “better survival is achievable”, underscores the goal of reducing survival disparities worldwide by addressing socio economic and systemic barriers.
Ways to support childhood cancer Awareness in February
If you want to contribute to raising awareness, here are meaningful ways to get involved:
– Spreading Awareness on social media
– Wear gold
– Support Fundraisers and charities
– Volunteer your time
– Advocate for better policies
It may seem odd that wearing gold supports cancer awareness, the reason behind this is that gold is the official color of childhood cancer awareness, chosen because gold represents strength, courage, and resilience—qualities often associated with children battling cancer. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that complements other awareness activities like fundraisers, social media campaigns, and advocacy efforts.
Hope for the future
Significant progress has been made in treating childhood cancers over the past few decades.in high income countries, survival rates for certain types of pediatric cancer exceed 80%, compared to less then 30% in many low-income regions. However, global collaboration, innovative therapies, and focused research can further bridge this gap.
Emerging treatments like immunotherapy and precision medicine offer new hope. These approaches target cancer cells more effectively while minimizing harm to healthy tissues, potentially reducing the long-term side effects of treatment.
Additionally, initiatives like the world health organization ‘s Global initiative for Childhood cancer aim to achieve a 60% survival rate for all children diagnosed with cancer by 2030, demonstrating the international commitment to this cause.
Conclusion
Childhood cancer awareness is not just about recognizing the disease-its about fostering a community of support, advocating for change and spreading hope. February with its observance of international childhood cancer day serves as a poignant reminder that every child deserves a chance at life, free from the burden of cancer.
By educating ourselves, supporting families and championing research, we can work together to create a brighter future of children affected by this disease. As we go through February, let us amplify the voices of young warriors and their families, ensuring that no one fights this battle alone.
