When is International Childhood Cancer Day celebrated?
Every 15th February, the world comes together to commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day, a date dedicated not only to raising awareness of this disease, but also to paying tribute to long-term survivors and all those who fight every day to improve their quality of life. Because when we talk about Childhood Cancer, talking about a cure is important, but talking about the future is equally so.
🏥 The reality of Childhood Cancer in Seville
At the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville, around 80 new cases of Childhood Cancer are diagnosed every year.
Behind each figure there is a story, a family, a struggle. And there is also a team of professionals who not only focus on curing the disease, but also on increasing the patient's quality of life by minimising the after-effects that treatment may leave.
Thanks to the progress in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques incorporated in recent years, the cure rate for Childhood Cancer has already reached 82%. This is encouraging data, however, it should not make us forget the importance of long-term follow-up.
🔬 The importance of follow-up
Specialists from the Paediatric Oncohaematology Unit at Virgen del Rocío insist on a key message: it is not enough to overcome the disease; the patient must be accompanied in their return to life. Therefore, maintaining a long-term follow-up programme is essential to:
- Early detection of possible after-effects.
- Promote healthy lifestyle habits that minimise risk factors.
- Address the side effects that may appear years after treatment.
With the increase in life expectancy in the child population diagnosed with cancer, significant long-term effects have been identified that affect their quality of life: cognitive, physical, emotional and social effects. Neurocognitive deterioration, for example, can affect attention, memory, synthesis capacity, spatial-visual skills or language.
Which associations are behind International Childhood Cancer Day?
🤝 The value of associations and recognition
The Seville hospital does not work alone. Collaboration with charitable associations such as Andex, which represents parents of children with cancer in Andalusia, is essential to offer comprehensive support. Recently, these organisations have participated in the presentation of medals to people and institutions that improve the lives of minors and their families, a gesture that highlights the importance of networking.
Another key association is AEetc, made up of parents of children with cancer. Their name itself is a message: after cancer treatment comes a long "ETC" (Effects of Cancer Treatment). Because the fight does not end with medical discharge, but continues in the form of rehabilitation, emotional support and adaptation to a new reality.
The Radiotherapy Unit of the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital has been recognised not only for incorporating cutting-edge technology, but also for its humane treatment of patients and families. Because in healthcare, technique saves lives, but kindness makes them more bearable.
📊 Data that speaks of commitment
Annually, specialists from the Paediatric Oncohaematology Unit at Virgen del Rocío attend to:
- More than 2,750 consultations related to Childhood Cancer.
- More than 750 admissions of minors undergoing treatment.
- Figures that demonstrate the scale of the work they do on a daily basis, often in silence, always with professionalism and dedication.
💚 THE SUN PLACES' commitment on International Childhood Cancer Day
At THE SUN PLACES, we are very aware that there are struggles that deserve all our support. Therefore, on this International Childhood Cancer Day, we want to join in recognising those professionals who are anonymous to the rest of the world, but close to patients and families, who give their best every day so that this disease ceases to be news in the lives of so many children.
To them, to the associations that support them and, above all, to the little warriors and their families, we send all our support, affection and love. Hopefully, together, we can make diagnoses fewer and healed smiles more numerous.
And if you are in Seville to accompany a loved one during their treatment, or simply want to get to know this wonderful city, remember that at THE SUN PLACES we offer you Luxury Apartments in Seville city centre, with all the comfort and warmth you need in the important moments of life.
Because hope also deserves a home to rest in.