Golden September - Children's Cancer Awareness Month

The goal of the campaign is to raise public awareness of childhood cancer, as well as promote early recognition of symptoms and regular examinations. Each year, one child dies from cancer every 3 minutes worldwide. In Poland, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children over the age of one, after injuries and accidents.

The color gold symbolizes strength, courage and perseverance - qualities attributed to children facing cancer. It is also a symbol of the fact that children's health and lives are most precious.

Although cancers in children account for only about 1% of all cancers, it is in this age group that the disease progresses particularly rapidly. The most common are:

Leukemias - about 30% of all childhood cancers (most often acute lymphoblastic leukemia - ALL).
Tumors of the brain and central nervous system - the second most common group.
Sarcomas - cancers of soft tissues and bones.
Lymphomas - cancers of the lymphatic system (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's).
Germ cell tumors - including Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma.

Thanks to medical advances, the survival rate for children in Poland is now 80-85%, and in some cancers, such as Wilms' tumor, even over 90%.

One of the key elements of the campaign is to build oncosensitivity - the ability to spot the first symptoms that may suggest cancer. Symptoms are sometimes nonspecific, making them difficult to recognize. Symptoms that should arouse alertness include persistent lymph node enlargement, chronic fatigue and weakness, bone and joint pain (especially at night), chronic headaches with vomiting, sudden deterioration of vision, unexplained bruising and petechiae, weight loss or stunted growth. For more detailed information on symptoms, visit the campaign website zlotywrzesien.pl.

Campaign organizers stress that time plays a key role in the treatment of childhood cancer. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of a complete cure. That's why the Golden September campaign focuses on educating parents and caregivers on how to recognize the first symptoms of the disease, encouraging regular examinations (including blood counts once a year), psychological and social support for families, and spreading knowledge about healthy lifestyles.

Everyone can become a part of Golden September: parents and caregivers by being vigilant about their children's health and getting regular checkups, schools and kindergartens by organizing educational events, doctors and specialists by spreading awareness and supporting families, and the public by sharing information about the campaign, participating in actions and events.

Golden September is not only a month of educational campaigns - it is a symbol of community, hope and the fight for the health of the youngest. Every piece of information shared, every support for the family of a child with cancer and every blood count performed can save a life. Together, we can ensure that more and more children can return to ordinary life after treatment.

Source: press mat.