SKMC celebrates International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on 14 & 15 February 2008

As part of the ongoing commitment of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - SEHA and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) to support and raise awareness of Pediatric Oncology, and in cooperation with the (NDC) National Drilling Company, SKMC managed by Cleveland Clinic celebrates the "International Childhood Cancer Day" (ICCD) on February 14 & 15, 2008 along with the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organization (ICCCPO).

The earlier a child is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment and recovery. The International Childhood Cancer Day was declared in Luxemburg in September 2001. The event on February 14 & 15, 2008 is the 4th annual event in the U.A.E. Childhood cancer is highly treatable with early diagnosis and access to the best treatment. About 75-80% of patients survive their disease. However, later diagnosis reduces the chances of recovery, and with no specialized treatment, the child's survival is in danger.

ICCCPO estimates that up to 100,000 children die needlessly from cancer each year worldwide because they lack access to optimal treatment - that is 250 children every day, more than 10 every hour. Cancer affects around 100-150 children per million each year.

To mark the 7th annual "International Children's Oncology Day", the Pediatric Oncology Team at SKMC organizes several activities that are designed to bring the whole family together with others for the purpose of raising the public awareness about Cancer, having fun and sharing information.

The activities during the campaign are:
1. A get-together is planned for the Children, their Parents and SKMC medical team. Face painting, Flower pot planting, Arts and Crafts will be arranged and Gifts will be distributed to the children in SKMC premises on Thursday 14 February 2008 which will be attended by members of the Senior Management.

2. Booth set-up at Al Wahda Mall, first floor, with several activities organized for children (drawing, face paintings ...etc) as per the following schedule:
Thursday, 14 February: 06:00 pm - 09:00 pm
Friday, 15 February: 03:00 pm - 09:00 pm
3. Distribution of Educational brochures and display of Drawings done by children in Wahda Mall and SKMC premises.

Dr. Azzam Alzoebie, Senior Consultant & Head of the Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Division stated that this event is the fourth participation of SKMC in the "International Childhood Cancer Day" (ICCD). We are devoted to raising awareness on Pediatric Oncology and the Oncology Services we provide at SKMC. "

Dr. Alzoebie avowed that "We are able to provide a wide array of services in Pediatric Oncology. The Pediatric Oncology Program at SKMC currently follows around 280 oncology patients since the launching of the program (ranging from 1 month old to 13 years old) with various types of cancer, noting that some of them already completed their treatment and others are currently under treatment.

We have a 13 bed inpatient unit for Pediatric Oncology and a 10 bed Day Unit for oncology procedures and to treat outpatient chemotherapy. However we are currently accommodating the extra number of the pediatric oncology patients in appropriate general pediatric inpatient beds if needed. Our chemotherapy treatment plan is based on state of the art International Chemotherapy Protocols (Children Oncology Group-COG Protocols). We were very pleased with the last three years turn out at the "International Childhood Cancer Day" at SKMC and we hope to participate in the event annually".

"SKMC supports public health education and is committed to raising awareness of the public on Pediatric Oncology and the Oncology Services provided at SKMC and our booth, which is set-up at the Wahda Mall for two days, will serve this objective", Dr. Alzoebie added.