Cancer is a disease which sees no geographical, ethnic or socio-economic boundaries. It is widespread in almost all parts of the world from the West to East, North to South. With quality care, about 80% of children survive through dreaded disease. Children in developed countries and from high-income families are the luckier ones to get better access to latest medicinal treatment and palliative care and pull through while ones in middle income and low-income group succumb. About 90% of childhood cancer deaths occur due to inability to afford to high treatment cost.
WHO has designated February 15 as the International Childhood Cancer Day to raise awareness on the childhood cancer and for highlighting the need low-cost high impact treatment for all sections of the society across the globe.
This day also is meant to express solidarity and support for the children/adolescents and their families suffering from cancer. Diagnosis of cancer generally shatters the normal life of children and their families. It is very depressing to see the young ones -victims of cancer, who should have been going to school, having fun with their fun and enjoying the joys of childhood are forced to stay in bed and put on harsh medication with long periods of isolation from peers and friends. Treading through cancer treatment takes a toll on the mental health and physical health alike on the patient as well the family. This journey cannot be traveled by the child and the parents alone, it requires the support of the entire society in whatever ways to possible to ease their pain.
How can you help the Childhood Cancer Victims?
There are many ways each of us can help the cancer victims. Help is not always financial as one may think, even giving emotional support can make a lot of difference to the affected children and their families.
Here a few ways to offer support:
- Donate funds: to help the needy ones procure the necessary medicines. You donate directly to the families or through NGOs and charitable institutions
- Volunteer your time: Family members get exhausted spending endless hours in the hospital. Give them a break by offering to spend time with the victims. Read, talk and play with the cancer patients and motivate them and their family to stand united and fight the disease
- Be proactive: Offer to help the cancer survivor and family by supplying food, helping with cleaning up their homes or caring for the siblings and so on
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be really hard on the family; every little support in any form is always appreciated.