International childhood Cancer Day 15th Feb 2020

International Childhood Cancer Day  was founded in 2002 by childhood cancer international is celebrated around the world  on Febraury 15th, to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

As every year 3,00,000 children between birth and 19 years of age are diagnosed with cancer around the world which makes up less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed, with survival rate of nearly 20%.  The target of WHO global childhood cancer initiative is to eliminate all pain and suffering of children fighting cancer with motive of NO MOE PAIN AND NO MORE LOSS and achieve 60% survival.

In india it is estimated that nearly 40-50,000 childhood cancer cases present each year with poor survival due to lack of awareness, late detection and diagnosis.

According to Indian paediatrics research paper, the most common childhood cancer is Leukaemia, Lymphoma, tumours of nervous system, Nephroblastma, Wilms tumour, retinoblastoma, medulloblastoma.

Some of the key signs and symptoms which indicate for immediate medical attention are recurrent fevers, drastic weight loss, continuous body and joint pains, easy and extreme bruising, bleeding or rashes and frequent infections. In case a child have any of the symptoms parent should seek medical care early so that a prompt diagnosis can be made as there is big gap in survival rates for cancers detected early vs late.

. On arrival to doctor approprite tests will done to diagnosis, for cancer treatment multidisiplinary approach is required with team of specialists for treatment and rehabilitation. With prompt, early and effective treatment most childhood cancers are highly curable with good 5year surival.