- February 15 -

International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors, and their families.

FACTS ABOUT CHILDHOOD CANCER

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide; approximately 280,000 children ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 30,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from this disease.

In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, but in many low- and middle-income countries, the cure rate is about 20%

The impact of childhood cancer translates into years of life lost, more significant inequalities, and economic difficulties. This situation can and should change.

WHAT PAHO DOES

To strengthen the health system response to childhood cancer, the Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are collaborating with the Ministries of Health, pediatric oncologists, and foundations to develop National Childhood Cancer Plans within the framework of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).

The GICC aims to reduce the suffering of children with cancer and achieve a cancer survival rate of at least 60% by 2030.