Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Each year 175,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer. Only 45% will be successfully treated. In New Zealand 80 % will be cured.

New Zealand's excellent detection and treatment means that most of the 150 children diagnosed each year will do well.

Three children are diagnosed with cancer each week in New Zealand and collectively undergo a total of 100,000 treatments and procedures annually.

The Foundation aims to reduce the impact of cancer by offering services to ensure children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for on their journey with cancer. A dedicated Child Cancer Foundation Family Support Coordinator is available to each child and family from time of diagnosis.

As part of International Childhood Cancer Day The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organizations (ICCCPO) has launched grassroots health advocacy campaign to better educate the public in recognizing the early warning signs for childhood cancer.

These warning signs are also useful for New Zealand parents.

The following symptoms, if persistent, could be signs for childhood cancer:

• White spot in the eye, new squint, blindness, bulging eyeball.
• Lump in abdomen/pelvis, head and neck, in limbs, testes, glands.
• Unexplained prolonged fever over 2 weeks.
• Loss of weight, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding
• Aching bones, joints, back, and easy fractures.
• Neurological signs: change or deterioration in walk, balance, or speech, regression of
• Headache for more than two weeks with or without vomiting, enlarging head

SIOP and ICCCPO have prepared a Joint Action Plan on early warning signs for childhood cancer. More information about the Action Plan by SIOP and ICCCPO, can be obtained by visiting their society websites at www.siop.nl and www.icccpo.org, respectively. In October 2011, New Zealand hosted the 43rd congress of SIOP.

To help the Foundation to continue fighting cancer the 2012 Child Cancer Appeal Month will for the second year run throughout the entire month of March. The Beads of Courage Day (street collection) is on Friday, March 23rd.

The Foundation's goal is to raise $1 million during Child Cancer Appeal Month to help children with cancer and their families.

You can help too. Text BEAD to 206 to make a $3 donation. Please give generously this March.

Look out for street collectors on Beads of Courage Day, Friday 23rd March, 2012 or

TEXT: BEAD to 206 - $3 donation

CALL: 0900 4 CHILD (4 2445) - $20 donation

VISIT: Farmers Stores - $2 donation (enter for the chance to win one of three $5,000 luxury travel prizes)

VISIT: www.childcancer.org.nz.