International Childhood Cancer Day : 9th common cause for children's death in India

The International Childhood Cancer Day is is celebrated every year globally on 15 February. The main objectives are to raise awareness about childhood cancer for children and adolescents and to support survivors with cancer and their families. The term “childhood cancer” is most commonly used to designate cancer that arises in children before the age of 18 years. In India specifically, cancer is considered the 9th most common reason for children's death as per paedriatics association.

A deeper understanding of issues and challenges impacting childhood cancer and the survivors also remains a core priority on this day, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It also highlights the need for better access to treatment and care for all children with cancer.

WHO claims that everyday more than 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer but childhood cancer is curable for the vast majority of children if provided with essential diagnostic, therapeutic and supportive care services.

Every year, an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 new cases of childhood cancer are detected in India, among which as many as around 35-40 percent cases are leukemia. As per the health organisation, it is highly curable if detected early, the survival rate in developed nations is as high as 80-90 percent.

International Childhood Cancer Day : Cancer 9th common cause for children's death in India

Coping when a child is diagnosed with cancer

Besides understanding the treatment and what can help your child's day-to-day life, parents should also cope with feelings and stress.

• Support your kid and ask support from from social workers, counsellors, nurses, psychologists, and doctors
• Use or learn strategies to reduce anxiety or tension, such as exercising, listening to music, or keeping a journal
• Openly discuss fear and anxiety with specialist about the treatment
• Take care of yourself first: eating right, getting rest, and taking breaks etc.
• Take control of decisions involving your child as much as possible
• Talk with other parents of children with cancer
• Learn to care for their child and get all their questions answered

World Cancer Trends

According to worldchildcancer.org, an estimated 300,000 children get cancer each year and around 80 percent of children live in low- middle-income countries have a mere 10-30 percent chance of cure, compared to 80 percent or more in high-income countries. These children do not receive or complete care, and, as a result, over 90% of childhood cancer deaths occur in low resource settings.