International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

15th February is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day ‪#‎ICCD‬

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. The day promotes increased appreciation and deeper understanding of issues and challenges impacting childhood cancer and the survivors. It also spotlights the need for more equitable and better access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere. This annual event was created by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), [formerly the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations (ICCCPO)

The most common cancer a child can get is Leukemia. There are many types of leukemia. Leukemia for children also known as ‘Childhood Cancer’.

Here is a info graphic by UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) on symptoms and warning signs for child cancer:

1 - Pallor, bruising or bleeding, general bone pain
2 - Lumps or swelling – especially if painless and without fever or other signs of infection
3 - Unexplained weight loss or fever, persistent cough or shortness of breath, sweating at night
4 - Eye changes – white pupil, newonset squint, visual loss, bruising or swelling around the eye(s)
5 - Abdominal swelling
6 - Headaches, especially if unusually persistent or severe, vomiting (especially early morning or worsening over days)
7 - Limb or bone pain, swelling without trauma or signs of infection

If these Symptoms are present refer for further examination. Source:http://www.uicc.org/programmes/chica/issue