Every year, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the significant impact that childhood cancer has on children, their families, and the whole society. This month provided an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by the youngest of patients and to get together in support of those affected by this devastating disease.
“September is usually the month children would go to school, but some children cannot as they are affected by cancer,” says Anita Granero, CPE Board member and Founder and President of Oscar’s Angels Italia and Oscar’s Angels France, who has dedicated over 22 years to advocating and supporting families with children affected by brain tumours and tumours of the spinal cord.
Why Awareness Matters
The challenges faced by paediatric cancer patients are profound and multifaceted. Families often endure overwhelming anxiety about the potential loss of their children, struggle with communication regarding difficult topics, and deal with the emotional strain of treatment side effects. Economic and social pressures only compound these difficulties, affecting family dynamics and relationships, often in the long run.
“By raising awareness, we can advance early detection and better cancer care outcomes. Being aware of the potential early symptoms of cancer can provide children with more chances for healing,” Granero emphasises, while also highlighting that “Greater awareness leads to better resources that can directly help the families and also allows for stronger focus on research efforts”.
Partnering against paediatric cancer
Through active advocacy and by strengthening partnerships within the oncology community, we can confront cancer disparities, advance health equity, and strive for a future where every patient has equal access to cancer prevention, treatment, and the opportunity to survive, no matter where they live.
Granero also stresses the importance of community engagement: “Through collaboration, we can tackle cancer disparities and create a supportive environment where every family feels empowered and heard.”
In her extensive experience as an in-hospital volunteer and advocate, Granero has witnessed firsthand the crucial role that community support plays in the lives of these families. “I am still very much active in the hospital, which gives me direct insight into the challenges and needs of these families,” she shares.
Additionally, establishing partnerships with various organisations not only helps to pool resources but also creates a unified front to advocate for better policies and treatment options for young patients. Together, we can ensure that the voices of children and their families are amplified and that their needs are prioritised in the realm of EU decision-making.
Everyone’s involvement can make a difference in advancing this cause and ensuring that communities across Europe, can benefit from cancer care advancements.
“In this month, let’s get together and make September a month of global solidarity towards a cancer-free world for children” – Anita Granero, CPE Board Member and Founder of Oscar’s Angels Italia and Oscar’s Angels France.
