Understanding International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: Date, Importance and Common Cancers

By extending support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families
worldwide, ICCD emphasises the need for community involvement and assistance in addressing
concerns related to childhood cancers. The main goal of ICCD is to provide access to healthcare care
facilities for every child, regardless of their location and socioeconomic status.

Background

ICCD was established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), which is a consortium of more
than fifty-two countries advocating for children with cancer and their families. From its inception,
ICCD has evolved into a major global endeavour, and each year, it focuses on creating awareness of
childhood cancer and improving the prognosis for young patients.

Marking its 24 th observance this year, ICCD continues to shine a spotlight on the need for early
diagnosis, equitable access to medical care and the importance of emotional and psychological
support for children and their families.

Understanding childhood cancer

Childhood cancer refers to the group of cancers that develop from infancy to age 14 and teenagers
aged 15–19. It has been found that childhood cancer is less frequent than adult cancer; however, the
disease drastically affects the lives of patients and their families.
However, with advancements in medical treatment, the survival rate of cancer among children and
teenagers diagnosed with the disease the survival rate has increased to 81%. These newer or special
therapies have enhanced the chances and the quality of the patient’s life during therapy. However,
the journey doesn’t end with remission. Such children also continue to have a high risk of secondary
malignancies or other illnesses later in their lifetime. This highlights the critical need for continued
research, access to tailored care and lifelong support to ensure that children not only survive but
thrive in their battle with cancer.
Common childhood cancer

The most common childhood cancers include:

• Leukaemia: This is cancer of the blood, where uncontrolled growth of cancer takes place in
  the bone marrow, the site where maximum body blood is produced. Leukaemia is known to
  be the most common cancer in children. It occurs when the DNA present in the bone
  marrow cells undergoes mutation. This can lead to errors in the instruction code that can
  make the cell multiple abnormally.
• Brain tumors: Brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children. This kind of
  cancer affects the lower region of the brain, such as the cerebellum. The identified
  symptoms of brain tumors in children include double vision, seizures, headaches and
  dizziness.
• Neuroblastoma: The cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in different body
  parts. Neuroblastoma usually arises from adrenal glands and primarily affects children aged
  5 or younger. Children with this cancer usually show symptoms such as abdominal pain,
  changes in bowel habits, fever and weight loss.
• Wilms tumor: It is also known as nephroblastoma, a common type of kidney cancer in
  children. It typically affects children aged between 3 to 4 and is rarely found in older children. Symptoms usually include swelling, abdominal pain, hematuria, hypertension and
  fever.
• Lymphoma: This is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which comprises lymph nodes, spleen
  and other immune tissues. Hodgkin lymphoma typically arises in B cells and is known for the
  appearance of Reed-Sternberg cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can arise from B cells, T cells or
  NK cells and tends to spread more rapidly. Symptoms include painless swollen lymph nodes,
  fatigue, respiratory problems and systemic symptoms that include fever, night sweats and
  weight loss.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: This is a rare cancer type that develops in the skeletal tissue of
  muscles. This is one cancer that mostly occurs in children aged under 10. This type of cancer
  may appear anywhere in the body, including the head and neck, urinary and reproductive
  organs, limbs and even in the tummy. The signs depend on where the tumor is. They can
  present with a swelling or a lump, among other localized symptoms.
• Retinoblastoma: This is an uncommon eye cancer which starts in the retina. It is a light-
  sensitive tissue that lies at the back of the eye. Most of its victims are under the age of 4
  years. Some common symptoms include white or red pupils, unaligned eyes, eye pains and
  difficulties with vision. This cancer can be seen in one or both eyes.
• Bone cancer: The two most common types of bone cancer in children are osteosarcoma and
  Ewing sarcoma. Osteosarcoma usually occurs in the long bones, such as the femur or tibia,
  and is most common during growth spurts in adolescents. Ewing sarcoma can develop in any
  bone but is often found in the pelvis, thigh and chest wall. Symptoms include bone pain,
  swelling and fracture.

Importance of International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)

Childhood cancer, a leading cause of death among children aged 5–19, affects over 400,000 children
annually. ICCD emphasizes the urgent need to ensure every child has the chance to fight and
overcome cancer. The highlights of ICCD are as follows:

•  It raises awareness about early detection, timely treatment and better outcomes by
  highlighting the prevalence and challenges of childhood cancer.
• Advocating for change: ICCD creates the platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers
  and communities to bring policies that have higher preferences to pediatric cancer
  research, treatment and support services first.
• Supporting families: ICCD highlights the experiences of children with cancer and their
  families. It promotes support networks and encourages fundraising and psychosocial
  support for children and families affected by cancer.
• Fostering global collaboration: It unites healthcare professionals, researchers and
  policymakers to share knowledge and improve care worldwide.
• Promoting equity: It highlights the importance of equal access to quality care for all children,
  regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. ICCD inspires hope, action and a commitment to a future where every child has access to life-saving
  cancer care.

Prevention of childhood cancer

While many childhood cancers are not preventable due to their genetic or unknown causes, certain
steps can help reduce risks and promote overall health:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: It includes avoiding tobacco, alcohol and
  harmful substances. Also, maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and essential
  nutrients.
• Minimising environmental exposures: Limiting exposure to radiation, hazardous chemicals
  and pollutants. Ensure a clean and hygienic environment for children, such as safe drinking
  water, avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke and discouraging eating junk and fast food.
• Vaccination: Timely administration of vaccines such as hepatitis B or HPV ensures protection
  against viral infections.
• Early screening: Regular check-ups and prompt attention to unusual symptoms can help
  detect conditions early.

• Promoting physical activity and nutrition: Encourage regular exercise and a diet rich in
  antioxidants and nutrients to boost immunity and overall health.

  While prevention strategies can lower some risks, the focus remains on early detection, timely
  treatment and research to improve outcomes for all children affected by cancer.