Introduction:
Children cancer is different from adult cancer. In most cases, such a difference reflects on the infected part. It affects children of both sexes and all ages. As a result of the advances in treatment, the survival rate among children is higher than before.
The International Childhood Cancer Day highlights the need for concerted global actions to address the growing challenge posed by this disease. Globally, childhood and adolescent cancer is threatening to overtake infectious diseases, as one of the highest causes of disease-related mortality in children.
This year's theme sheds light on the great disparity of access to care in most low- and middle-income countries where 80% of children with liver cancer live.
Facts:
- The cause of childhood cancer is still unknown but in some cases it is attributed to genetic abnormalities.
- The most common types of cancers among children are: Leukemia, brain, other central nervous system tumors and lymphoma cancer.
- As cancer treatment progresses, more than 70% of children are expected to recover from it.
- Treatment of childhood cancer ranges from three months to two and half years.
Statistics in KSA:
According to the latest statistics in 2014, the most common types of cancer among Saudi children of both sexes are:
- Leukemia, 34.6%.
- Brain and nervous system cancer, 15.1%.
- Hodgkin's lymphoma, 11%.
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 7%
- Kidney cancer, 604%.
- Bone cancer, 6.1%.
- Connective tissue cancer, 3.9%.
- Eye cancer, 3.3%
- Adrenal gland cancer, 2.6%.
- Liver cancer, 2.3%.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness about childhood cancer.
- Expressing support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families.
- Increasing appreciation and understanding of issues and challenges related to childhood cancer.
- Shedding light on the need to access medical care everywhere.
- Boosting the access to essential cancer drugs free of charge or at affordable prices, including painkillers.
Official Date:
Globally: February 15, 2018
Locally: Jumada al-Ola 29th, 1439H.
Theme of International Childhood Cancer Day:
Advance Cures and Transform Care
Target Group:
- Children with cancer and their families.
- Childhood cancer survivors.
- Health professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
- Schools, institutes and universities.
- Health decision-makers.
- Health associations and organizations.
- The public.
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