Launched in 2002 by global patient organizations to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support young patients and their families worldwide.
Date15 February
TopicHealth
Established2002
Ways to observe this day
Learn the early warning signs of childhood cancer to support early diagnosis
Donate to an organization supporting children with cancer in your country
Join an activity or campaign that brings joy to children undergoing hospital treatment
Raise awareness about supporting families caring for a child with cancer
International Childhood Cancer Day was launched in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, an alliance of patient support organizations from more than 90 countries, with backing from global health bodies including the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is observed every February 15.
Around 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer worldwide each year. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries, they can fall below 20% in many low- and middle-income countries due to delayed diagnosis and shortages of medicines and specialized medical staff. The day aims to spotlight this stark gap in treatment access and survival outcomes.
Hospitals and patient organizations mark the day with campaigns raising awareness of early warning signs of childhood cancer, fundraising drives to support treatment for affected children and their families, and recreational activities for young patients in hospitals to bring moments of joy during their treatment journey.