On this International Childhood Cancer Day, the UN health agency, WHO, said parents alongside family doctors and paediatricians play a vital role in early detection.

Globally, more than 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. Recent medical advances have boosted chances of survival in high-income countries, where more than 80 per cent of children diagnosed will survive.

But, only about 20 per cent of kids diagnosed will survive in some low and middle-income countries.

To change that, WHO launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in 2018. Its main goal is to reduce that survival gap by 2030. 

It aims to ensure that at least 60 per cent of children with cancer worldwide will survive their diagnosis.

WHO said reaching this goal hinges on strengthening health systems so that primary health providers – including parents – can spot the early signs of childhood cancer.

Referral systems which can provide specialized care are another important factor, the agency said.

Source: UN News

https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/02/1146602