When is International Childhood Cancer Day?
International Childhood Cancer Day is February 15 each year.
St. Jude patient Mila with her mom
Why do we recognize the importance of International Childhood Cancer Day?
Childhood cancer is devastating, regardless of where you live. Each year, more than 400,000 children worldwide will develop cancer. Many of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where treatment may be unavailable or inaccessible.
Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped raise the survival rate for children with cancer in the United States, where 4 out of 5 children survive cancer. In many countries, however, 1 out of 5 children with cancer will survive. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer, no matter where they live.
The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer
In September 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. This initiative aims to increase the global childhood cancer survival rate to at least 60% by 2030. It also aims to improve the quality of life for children with cancer.
The WHO Global Initiative is guided by an approach abbreviated as “CURE All” that outlines pragmatic steps to reach these goals. St. Jude is partnering with WHO and other global organizations to collaboratively improve cancer survival rates for children everywhere.
Artwork by St. Jude patient Colton
7 ways to get involved on International Childhood Cancer Day
International Childhood Cancer Day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children with cancer. Here are some suggestions for how to make a difference this Feb. 15:
Artwork by St. Jude patient Ty
1. Advocate and spread awareness about childhood cancer
Learning about childhood cancer from reputable sources is an important starting point. If you feel comfortable, you may want to share what you've learned about detection and treatment options with friends and loved ones — through email, social media or in person. You might also consider wearing the color gold or wearing a gold ribbon to help spread awareness.
2. Donating to causes like St. Jude
Causes like St. Jude rely on the generosity of donors to treat kids with cancer and invest in childhood cancer research. Consider a donation — because of your support, St. Jude can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Additionally, you can use our employer search form to see if your employer will double, or even triple, your gift.
St. Jude patient Alanna
3. Volunteering locally or online
Causes and organizations like St. Jude benefit greatly from the work of our volunteers. Our main campus is located in Memphis, Tenn., but we have options regardless of where you live, both in person and virtually.
4. Hosting a fundraiser
Do what you love, and use it to make a difference. Fundraising can be a fun and rewarding way to get your family, friends or coworkers involved in supporting a common cause. St. Jude offers a variety of fundraisers you can join, from fitness events to school programs to gaming challenges. You can also get creative and start your own fundraiser. However you choose to raise funds for St. Jude, we provide guidance and support to help you reach your goal.
St. Jude patient Kamryn with his mom
5. Support brands that support childhood cancer research
You can make a difference simply by shopping for things you're already looking for. Whether you're shopping for a birthday gift, planning a vacation or going out for dinner, you can shop at St. Jude-partnered companies to support our lifesaving mission. You might also consider something from the St. Jude Gift Shop.
6. Join the St. Jude Walk/Run
Each year during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, St. Jude hosts the St. Jude Walk/Run. This event is a nationwide cancer walk event that takes place both in person and virtually. Sign up to support St. Jude and cancer research for the thousands of children who develop cancer each year.
St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate and her mom
7. Offering your support to a family in need
Sometimes the best way to make an impact is to simply reach out. If someone in your community has been affected by childhood cancer, consider asking what they need and how you can help.
Your support helps patients like Pablo José
Pablo José was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer, in 2021 at the age of 5 in his homeland of Guatemala. He received chemotherapy and responded well, but after 18 months, he began experiencing fevers and the same body pain he'd felt before his initial diagnosis. His doctors referred him to St. Jude for further care.
Pablo José flew to St. Jude in May 2023, along with his father, Edgar. At St. Jude, he received chemotherapy, then radiation therapy. In August 2023 he received a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Valeria.
St. Jude patient Pablo Jose
How your donation makes a difference
Learn more about the impact of your donation and what it can mean for St. Jude patients and families.
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Your $10 gift could help provide one platelet count test for a St. Jude patient.*
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Your $25 gift could help provide one rehabilitation ball for St. Jude patients. Rehabilitation balls help patients regain strength and mobility after cancer treatment.*
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Your $50 donation could help provide 13 IVs to St. Jude patients.*
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Your $100 gift could help provide a red wagon, which is the preferred mode of travel through the halls of the hospital for our youngest patients.*
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Your $250 gift could help provide five days of meals for a St. Jude patient and their guardian. St. Jude provides patients and their families breakfast, lunch and dinner in Kay Kafe, the hospital’s cafeteria.*
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Any amount supports kids around the world. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save even more children.*
*Items listed here are representative of services and supplies that are part of the treatment and care of children at St. Jude. The cost of each item or service is an approximation and will vary based on actual costs incurred and individual patient needs. Your donation will be used for the general operating needs of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
International Childhood Cancer Day FAQs
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Childhood cancer typically refers to a cancer that is found in children and teens and sometimes young adults. There are many types, which can be found in different places throughout the body.
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In 2002, Childhood Cancer International (CCI) recognized the first International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD). They did so with the goal of reducing inequalities in childhood cancer care globally. St. Jude is similarly dedicated to improving the quality of care and increasing survival rates worldwide for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
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The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer awareness. It’s also a prominent symbol during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Gold represents the high value of the lives of children and adolescents with cancer.
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Leukemia, a type of blood cancer, is the most common cancer in children. Cancer can also occur in organs and tissues such as the lymph nodes (lymphoma), nervous system (brain tumors) and muscles, bone and skin (solid tumors).
Why give to St. Jude on International Childhood Cancer Day?
Today, the most significant predictor of whether a child will survive cancer is where the child lives.
St. Jude Global is working to decrease these disparities and improve the survival rates of all children everywhere by sharing knowledge, technology and organizational skills. With your support, we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
St. Jude patient Ava
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Our Patient Stories
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Why support St. Jude?
Learn how supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital helps pediatric cancer patients worldwide.
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Ways to give
Find ways to give to St. Jude. Make a donation, memorialize a loved one, give through work or include St. Jude in your will.