International Childhood Cancer Day: History and Significance of the Day

International Childhood Cancer Day is celebrated globally on February 15 each year. The purpose of International Childhood Cancer Day is to raise awareness of the value of early detection, access to high-quality care, and the ongoing research for more effective treatments for pediatric cancers.

The international event aims to support survivors and their families, advocate for better diagnosis, treatment, and care for children with cancer, and increase public awareness of childhood cancer. On the official International Childhood Cancer Day website, over 400,000 children and teenagers under the age of 20 receive a cancer diagnosis each year. The survival rate varies by region, being as low as 20% in low- and middle-income countries and as high as 80% in the majority of high-income countries. Let’s read more about the history, significance, and date of the 2024 International Childhood Cancer Day in this article.

International Childhood Cancer Day: What Is It?

International Childhood Cancer Day is an international collaborative effort to support survivors and their families, as well as to increase awareness of childhood cancer.

The day aims to raise awareness and encourage a deeper understanding of the problems and issues surrounding childhood cancer and how they affect cancer patients, survivors, their families, and society at large.

It also attracts attention to the necessity of providing all children with cancer, everywhere, with more equitable and superior access to care and treatment.

International Childhood Cancer Day History

Childhood Cancer International, a global network of 183 parent organizations, childhood cancer survivor associations, support groups, and cancer societies in over 94 countries across 5 continents, established International Childhood Cancer Day in 2002. The foundation of the event is the conviction that all cancer patients, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, or class, should have access to the greatest medical and psychosocial support.

Who is behind ICCD?

In 2002, Childhood Cancer International—a global network of 183 parent organizations, cancer societies, support groups, and survivor associations for children with cancer—was established to create this annual event. The network spans 94 countries and 5 continents.

Childhood Cancer International (CCI) firmly believes that all children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer should receive the highest quality medical and psychosocial support, irrespective of their nationality, race, socioeconomic status, or place of birth. This belief is the foundation of the International Childhood Cancer Day.

Additionally, it is predicated on the idea that childhood cancer deaths can be prevented through early detection and accurate diagnosis, easy access to high-quality essential medications, and appropriate care and treatment.

International Childhood Cancer Day Significance

International Childhood Cancer Day is a significant event that emphasizes the value of early detection, accessibility to high-quality care, and the requirement for ongoing research to develop more effective treatments for pediatric cancers. Numerous organizations, including advocacy groups, hospitals, and cancer charities, plan events and campaigns on this day to commemorate childhood cancer awareness across the globe. By 2030, the WHO Global Childhood Cancer Initiative aims to end all cancer-related suffering for children and attain a minimum of 60% survival rate for all children diagnosed with the disease around the world.

Why is it important that you/your organization demonstrate solidarity and support?

On this International Childhood Cancer Day, all Childhood Cancer International members unite to raise awareness of childhood cancer as a national and international child health priority and to ensure that children with cancer have access to the resources they need to fulfill their fundamental rights. We think the following fundamental rights belong to every child with cancer:

• The right to appropriate and high-quality medical care; 
• The right to life-saving essential medications; 
• The right to timely and accurate diagnosis; 
• The right to follow-up care, services, and opportunities for survivors to lead sustainable lives.

CCI also supports the child’s right to a painless death in the event that a cure is not possible. It is unimaginable in developed nations, but for most low- and middle-income countries, the terrible truth is that children with cancer will suffer horribly and die without access to pain relief or supportive care.