KUCHING, Feb 17: Around 60 to 70 children are diagnosed with cancer yearly in Sarawak.
According to Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) president Rodney Wong, this contributes to an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents ages 19 and below being diagnosed with cancer globally each 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 wellbeing, of childhood cancer patients,” he said.
He said this in a statement issued in conjunction with SCCS joining childhood cancer organisations worldwide in celebrating International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on Feb 15 to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
ICCD aims to raise awareness of childhood cancer and its unique challenges in Sarawak while rendering support for children with cancer, survivors, and their families.
This year’s ICCD theme was ‘Better Survival is Achievable through Their Hands’, which highlighted the essential roles of families and caregivers in creating positive impacts on the lives of children fighting cancer.
Recently, SCCS engaged with childhood cancer patients and their families during a clinic day at the Sarawak General Hospital’s (SGH) Paediatric Specialist Clinic.
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 thanks, and is a joint collaborative effort by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and the International Society of Paediatrics and Oncology (SIOP).
At the clinic day celebration, Nichole, who was with diagnosed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system) and recently completed her treatment, joined SCCS in carrying out the handprint arts and craft activity with the children.
Gold ribbon pins — the international awareness symbol for childhood cancer — were also handed out to families.
The statement also mentioned that the Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang, has called for greater participation and collaboration from its surrounding community to help elevate childhood cancer awareness in Sarawak.
“Families and caregivers are an irreplaceable part of the 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.
Members of the public or corporations who are interested in donating or engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects can contact the SCCS team at 082-686276, via Facebook (@sccsmy) or by email (em1@sccs.org.my). — DayakDaily
