SKMC celebrates the International Childhood Cancer Day on 26 February 2009

International Childhood Cancer Day 2009 aims to raise awareness of the need for early diagnosis of childhood cancer and access to a specialist child cancer unit for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

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. However, the event on February 26, 2009 is the 5th 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 "International Children's Oncology Day 2009", 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 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 26 February 2009 which will be attended by members of the Senior Management.
2. Booth set-up at Marina Mall, first floor, with several activities organized for children (drawing, face paintings ...etc) on 26 February 2009 from 06:00 pm - 09:00 pm.

3. The Mobile Donor Bus of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank will be also available from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Marina Mall main entrance - next to the parking - for those who are interested to donate blood on the same day. Some patients with cancer require blood transfusions regularly; therefore, donating blood is very essential to save their lives. This is organized by Abu Dhabi Blood Bank which operates under the management of SKMC.

4. Distribution of Educational brochures and display of Drawings done by children in Marina Mall and SKMC premises.

Mohamad Aboufares, Chief Strategy Officer at SKMC stated:

"SKMC is committed to promote health in its environment not only through the application of best practice healthcare but also educating the patients and community on disease control and prevention. On average, SKMC celebrates 8-10 events a year with its community to increase awareness like the World Kidney Day which we will celebrate on 12 March 2009."

Dr. Azzam Alzoebie, Senior Consultant & Head of the Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Division stated that this event is the fifth 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 350 oncology patients since the launching of the program (ranging from 1 month old to 15 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 accommodate 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 four 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 our booth, which is set-up at the Marina Mall will serve this objective", Dr. Alzoebie added.