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International Childhood Cancer Day highlights the challenges faced by cancer survivors in underprivileged countries.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: This day is celebrated every year on February 15.(Image: Shutterstock)
International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: Cancer has emerged as a major cause of death among children worldwide, with thousands of young lives succumbing to this fatal disease every year. Despite the advancement in pediatric oncology, the mortality rate for childhood cancer remains high, especially in developing countries that lack adequate healthcare. The most common types of cancer in children include leukemias, brain tumours, and lymphomas. Early diagnosis is a must to overcome these conditions, but it is not always possible in low-income regions due to limited resources.
To shed light on these challenges, International Childhood Cancer Day is observed every year on February 15. Besides promoting the importance of early detection and treatment, this annual campaign is also meant to show support for young cancer survivors and their families.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: History
This day was first celebrated in 2002. The event was organised by the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parents Organisations (ICCCPO) in collaboration with some other leading organisations around the world. The International Chilhood Cancer day (ICCD) has now gained importance, drawing attention to the global impact of childhood cancer and advocating for better research and treatment.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: Theme
The theme for the ICCD 2025 is “Inspiring Action”. It marks the second phase of a three-year global initiative focused on tackling the challenges faced by children with cancer. While last year’s campaign focused on raising awareness of these challenges, this time, it will emphasise practical solutions and collaborative efforts needed to overcome the existing barriers.
“In 2024, we encouraged the global childhood cancer community to share challenges and inequalities faced worldwide. For ICCD 2025, we’re shifting the focus to solutions — inspiring action by showcasing collaborative efforts and regional initiatives that are making a difference,” stated a blog post on the official website of ICCD.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: Significance
The ICCD serves as a platform to unite individuals, organisations and governments in advocating for better access to healthcare, early detection, and more research into pediatric cancers. The day also highlights the challenges faced by cancer survivors and their families, especially in underprivileged countries where healthcare disparities often contribute to higher mortality rates.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2025: Inspiring Quotes
- The Human Spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. – C.C. Scott
- Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all. – Emily Dickinson
- We must not allow the cancer to define us. We define the cancer. – Greg Anderson
- Every person’s life is a story, and every child’s story deserves to be filled with joy, not suffering. – Maya Angelou
- Children are our most valuable resource. – Herbert Hoover
- We can’t heal the world today, but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of hope. – Maya Angelou
- The true heroes are not the ones in the spotlight, but the children who fight cancer with grace, strength, and hope. – Shannon Miller
- In the middle of difficulties lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein
- Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it. – Mark Twain
- You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. – Bob Marley.
