15 February marks International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD). This date is observed worldwide by organizations that are members of the International Confederation of Parents of Childhood Cancer (ICCCPO). Since 2003 ICCD has also been held in Ukraine.
This is not a day of despair, but a celebration of the victory of children and adults, doctors, relatives of patients, and everyone who cares about the grief of others over this terrible disease – childhood malignant tumors.
Childhood cancer is not a death sentence; modern medicine is capable of much to combat this disease. Cancer is a dangerous, serious, but currently curable disease. If 30 years ago, up to 10% children with cancer in Ukraine survived, today it's more than half. The only key is to diagnose the disease early and treat it properly. This is the belief of pediatric oncologists who fight for the lives of young cancer patients every day alongside the parents of their children. But much in the fight for the lives of children with cancer also depends on how confident society is that this fight can be successful. That the considerable resources required for a child will, in the vast majority of cases, help overcome the disease.
