Global Issue
Childhood cancer is a global problem. About 200,000 children globally are diagnosed with cancer annually of which 80% live in low- middle-income countries and have as little as 10-30% chance of cure, compared to 80% or more in high-income countries. More than half of the children with cancer who die every year can be prevented and managed with the groundbreaking research being carried out.
Mortality Rate
An average of 20 children die every hour from cancer in an underdeveloped country. This alarming mortality rate can be addressed using practical, effective, and sustainable solutions. Cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria combined in lower and middle-income countries. Every year, 8 million people die from cancer and this number is expected to rise to 13 million in 2030. While cancer accounts for approximately 55% of all deaths, the disease only receives 2% of the funding.
Survival Rate
The average five-year survival rate, across all childhood cancer types, is 82% whilst the survival rate is less than 20% for diagnosed children in Africa. Survival rates vary considerably between different types of childhood cancer and by age and gender. The medical success in the last century for childhood cancer survival rate is amazing and needs to be celebrated – Thanks to the researchers who keep raising this bar every year across the various cancer types. For example, the survival rate for Retinoblastoma in developed countries is 100%
Why is the Survival Rate Low in Africa?
- The lack of awareness within the community and health professionals
- Most children are misdiagnosed, diagnosed late, or are not diagnosed at all
- Affordability of treatment
We need to seek easy and cost-effective intervention programs to increase the survival rate of childhood cancer. Young Lives Trust helps to create awareness and support children with cancer.
