In Cyprus, 42 new cases of childhood cancer are recorded annually, with leukemias, lymphomas and tumors of the central nervous system being the most common forms, while a particularly worrying increase is observed in thyroid cancer in adolescents, with an annual increase of 7,6%, according to an announcement by the Oncology Nursing sector of the Pancyprian Association of Nurses and Midwives (PASYNM).
On the occasion of World Childhood Cancer Day, which is honored every year on February 15, the Association also states in its announcement that Cyprus maintains one of the highest cure rates in Europe, reaching 84%, since continuous progress in the field of medicine, early diagnosis and specialized care both in the hospital and in the community contribute decisively to the survival and quality of life of children who are ill.
According to global statistics, every year more than 400.000 children around the world are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer, while only half of them are ultimately diagnosed, with cancer in children being the second most common cause of death, after accidents, and it is estimated that a child dies of cancer every 3 minutes worldwide, according to the announcement.
This year's campaign to promote actions against childhood cancer is the second year of the three-year campaign of the International Childhood Cancer Organization (ICCD), it is reported, while last year's campaign highlighted the issues and challenges that relate to and affect children, adolescents with cancer, survivors, families, their caregivers and health professionals.
This year the entire campaign aims, as PASYNM reports, to focus and deepen collective efforts and initiatives, in order to overcome the obstacles and challenges that have been identified.
"With the slogan 'join the inspiring actions!' and #ICCD2025, it calls on us to take inspired action and act to find implementable solutions, building on last year's knowledge, with the aim of eliminating barriers and inequalities in childhood cancer care and research," it states.
As the Oncology Nursing Department of the Pancyprian Association of Nurses and Midwives - PaSYNM, we congratulate every child, every volunteer and every fellow nurse for their daily contribution and work, it is stated in conclusion.
