International Childhood Cancer Day – 15 February
Pretoria: South Africa will tomorrow (Wednesday) join the global community to observe the
International Childhood Cancer Day to raise awareness and improve understanding of childhood
cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death in high-income countries amongst children
under the age of 15.
Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing which may be
due to awareness. Almost 400 000 children are diagnosed annually, and South Africa accounts for
almost 1500 of this global number. Many children with cancer in low-and-middle-income countries
are either not diagnosed on time or referred too late for curative care. One of the contributing factors
for this, is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the early warning signs.
The most common types of childhood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma, brain, kidney and eye
tumours.
The Department of Health working together with the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group
and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa have initiated a programme to disseminate
information to empower the communities with knowledge about the early warning signs and the
unique and complex challenges faced by children with cancer and their families. They also
endeavour to offer support all children during their arduous journey.
The World Health Organization, governments, civil society organisations and health care workers
are in partnership to meet the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) goals of a 60%
overall survival in children and adolescents with cancer in low-and middle-income countries by 2030.
International Childhood Cancer Day is observed annually across the world on February 15, and the
2023 campaign is observed under the theme: #ThroughTheirHands, which focusses on paying
tribute to the families and caregivers, and the positive impact they have on the lives of children and
adolescents living with cancer.
The community, parents and caregivers are urged to familiarise themselves with the Siluan Early
Warning Signs (https://choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs/).
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental
Spokesperson
0724323792
Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Hedley Lewis
CHOC Childhood Cancer
Foundation SA CEO
0829947655
Hedley.lewis@choc.org.za
Professor Gita Naidu
Chair SSACCSG
gita.naidu@wits.ac.za
