Today is the start of International Childhood Cancer Survivors Week (ICCSW)!

The journey of childhood cancer does not end after the final treatment has been given and the announcement that a child/adolescent is now cancer free. As many as two thirds of childhood cancer survivors suffer long-term late effects from treatments. These can include complications, disabilities, infertility or adverse outcomes that are the result of the disease process, the treatment or both. Survivors of childhood cancer frequently need assistance to proactively prepare for, and successfully overcome, health and other emerging challenges to enjoy life free of cancer, stay healthy and effectively re-integrate back into school and the community.

Survivors of childhood cancer can be found all over the world thanks to important advances in the treatment of childhood cancer. It is imperative that survivors voice their needs and concerns and are empowered to resume their lives and work to shape a better future for children with cancer.

What is International Childhood Cancer Survivors Week?

International Childhood Cancer Survivors Week (ICCSW) is a joyful celebration of life. It commemorates the courage and bravery of children and adolescents with cancer and their families who have fought and triumphed over cancer. It is also a time for retracing the childhood cancer journey and understanding the issues and challenges that unfold during survivorship. ICCSW provides an opportunity for survivors around the world to tell their stories of how lives were touched and changed forever; dreams broken or goals achieved; friendships created and extended families established, throughout the lengthy and difficult time of combating cancer together.

ICCSW is also an opportunity to create awareness among the general public of the realities of childhood cancer. Furthermore, it can showcase that childhood cancer is indeed curable. Childhood cancer can be beaten. This devastating disease can be overcome with early diagnosis, timely and appropriate treatment, increased availability and better access to affordable essential medicines, adequate, quality care and sufficient support for the child/adolescent with cancer and their families.

ICCSW is a declaration of support to help make possible new and brighter beginnings for childhood cancer survivors. It is an invitation to understand better and learn how to be there for survivors and their families as they face this new chapter in their lives – Being A Survivor!

International Childhood Cancer Survivor’s Week is an initiative led by Childhood Cancer International (formerly known as The International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organizations) in collaboration with the CCI Survivors Network and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP). UICC is proud to support this important initiative.

• Click here for more information on ICCSW
• Click here to learn more about myth and misconceptions about childhood cancer survivors 

• Download the campaign briefer:
  Download briefer English
  Download briefer Spanish (Español)
  Download briefer Japanese
  Download briefer Vietnamese