KUCHING
17 February 2023
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) joined global childhood cancer organisations in celebrating International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) 2023 on 15 February, to raise awareness of childhood cancer and its unique challenges in Sarawak while rendering support for children with cancer, survivors and their families.
In recognition of the love and sacrifices of families and caregivers, the non-profit organisation initiated engagement activities with childhood cancer patients and families during the clinic day at the Sarawak General Hospital’s Paediatric Specialist Clinic in Kuching on Wednesday.
Sharing on ICCD, SCCS President Rodney Wong said, “Globally, it is estimated that about 400,000 children from the ages of 0 to 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year. In Sarawak alone, we record about 60 to 70 new childhood cancer cases in a year.”
He continued, “Childhood cancer, albeit challenging, is treatable. Early diagnosis, proper access to treatment and integrated support services play a pivotal role in contributing to better survival. More importantly, families and caregivers are key providers to the physical, mental and emotional needs, as well as the wellbeing of childhood cancer patients.”
This year’s edition of ICCD was anchored on the theme “Better Survival is Achievable through Their Hands”, highlighting the essential roles of families and caregivers in order to continuously create positive impacts on the lives of children fighting cancer.
This marks the completion of the ICCD three-year campaign to spotlight the journey towards better childhood cancer survival is #ThroughOurHands (2021); #ThroughYourHands (2022); and #ThroughTheirHands (2023), with its respective focus on appreciating the bravery of little fighters; the medical and healthcare team; as well as the families and caregivers.
About 25 families, caregivers and the healthcare team participated in the Tree of Life campaign and shared their coloured handprints as a sign of support, hope and appreciation. The global Tree of Life campaign is aimed to provide constant awareness that childhood cancer is treatable. This campaign is a joint collaborative effort by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and International Society of Paediatric and Oncology (SIOP).
At the clinic day celebration, Nicole, a childhood cancer patient of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma who recently completed her treatment, joined SCCS in carrying out the handprint arts and craft activity with the children. Gold ribbon pins – the international awareness symbol for childhood cancer, were also handed out to families.
Other local awareness efforts include the society’s video collaboration with Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang, in calling for greater participation and collaboration from its surrounding community to help elevate childhood cancer awareness in Sarawak.
“Families and caregivers are an irreplaceable part of the care journey as they guide, support and advocate for their child. Their full involvement and cooperation with the health and medical team are important in helping kids fight cancer to achieve better survival,” Tiang added.
International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign, observed annually to highlight the importance of community participation and support in the fight against childhood cancer in every country around the world. Members of the public or corporations who are interested to donate or engage in Corporate Social Responsibility projects can contact the SCCS team at 082-686276, via Facebook @sccsmy or email at em1@sccs.org.my.
