KUCHING: The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) joined global childhood cancer organisations in celebrating International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on Feb 15 to raise awareness on the alarming cases of childhood cancer in the state.
The ICCD is a global collaborative campaign observed annually to highlight the importance of community participation and support in the fight against childhood cancer.
The society commemorated the occasion by raising 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 SCCS initiated engagement activities with children suffering from cancer and families during a clinic day at theSarawak General Hospital’s (SGH) Paediatric Specialist Clinic here yesterday (Feb 16).
On ICCD, the society’s president Rodney Wong said globally it is estimated that about 400,000 children from ages of zero to 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
He revealed that in Sarawak alone, about 60 to 70 new childhood cancer cases are recorded in a year.
“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 well-being of childhood cancer patients,” he said in a press statement.
Wong said 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 namely #ThroughOurHands (2021), #ThroughYourHands (2022), and #ThroughTheirHands (2023), with its respective focus on appreciating the bravery of little fighters, the medical and healthcare team, and 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),” he said.
During the clinic day celebration, Nicole, a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patient who recently completed her treatment joined SCCS in carrying out the handprint arts and craft activity with the children.
At the same time, Gold ribbon pins, the international awareness symbol for childhood cancer were also handed out to families.
The society also collaborated with Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang as part of the awareness efforts.
Tiang had called for greater participation and collaboration from the 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,” he said in a video message.
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.
