International Childhood Cancer Day 2026:
Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change
Every year on February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) brings people together around the world to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the realities faced by children, adolescents, survivors, and their families. It is a day to show solidarity, compassion, and support, while reinforcing the importance of working together to improve care and outcomes for everyone affected by cancer. CCI and SIOP remain committed to advancing a future where children with cancer receive the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) 2026 marks the final year of our three-year global campaign, “Equal Access to Care for All Children with Cancer.” Building on the challenges identified in 2024 and the actions shared in 2025, ICCD 2026 focuses on impact, showing how the childhood cancer community is turning challenges into real change. The ICCD 2026 campaign officially launches on February 1, leading up to International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15.
This year’s theme, “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change,” highlights how collective efforts across the world are making a difference. By comparing challenges raised by the community with actions taken to address them, ICCD 2026 showcases progress toward equal access to care, while also identifying where further efforts are needed. The campaign celebrates achievements, shares stories of change, and inspires continued action at local, regional, and global levels.
Reflecting on the development of the campaign, CCI President Rodney Wong shares:
“Over the past few years, we have explored the challenges the childhood cancer community faces, and the actions taken to address them. This year, ICCD 2026 invites everyone to celebrate these achievements, get involved, and make a personal commitment to taking the next step. Join us in the ICCD 2026 campaign to explore progress, highlight stories of change, and share your vision of what equality in access to care should look like in the future. Let’s show what we can achieve when we work together, as a community!”
SIOP President Dr. Rob Pieters highlights:
“ICCD 2026 celebrates the strength and impact of the childhood cancer community. This year, we are highlighting initiatives that are driving change and inspiring patients, families, patient advocates, and healthcare teams to unite for a future with equal access to care for all children. By sharing experiences and milestones, we strengthen our global community. Let’s each commit to taking action in the year ahead and demonstrate the difference we can make when we act together”
How to Get Involved?
- Explore the Impact: Visit https://www.iccd.care/ to explore highlights from previous years, discover challenges and actions shared by the community, and learn how efforts across the world are driving change.
- Envision the Future and Commit: As part of ICCD 2026, participants are invited to envision what equal access to care should look like in the future by completing a printable letter. Children, adults, families, and organisations alike can share their vision of childhood cancer care in the years to come. Participants are also encouraged to make a personal commitment by pledging one step they will take within the next year to help tackle inequalities in a specific area, contributing to progress toward equal access to care.
- Spread the Word: Inform your community about the campaign. Share posts and graphics on social media and use #ICCD2026 and #FromChallengeToChange to amplify impact.
- Advocate for Change: Use the campaign resources to engage policymakers and stakeholders in your region. Share evidence of what works, highlight remaining gaps, and help drive sustainable change so that every child with cancer can access the care they need.
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ABOUT THE CHILDHOOD CANCER ORGANISATIONS
Childhood Cancer International (CCI)
Childhood Cancer International (CCI) was founded in 1994, as an umbrella organisation of childhood cancer grassroots and national parent organisations. Today, CCI is the largest patient support organisation for childhood cancer. It is a global, parent-driven non-profit that represents more than 200 parent organisations, childhood cancer survivor associations, childhood cancer support groups, and cancer societies, in over 95 countries, across 5 continents. To learn more visit https://www.childhoodcancerinternational.org
Contact:
Carl Queiros, Executive Director
E-mail: admin@cci.care
International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)
The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) was established on November 6, 1969, by a small group of specialists at the Institut Gustave-Roussy in Paris, with the mission to advance the study and care of children with cancer. This goal was expanded to include the advancement of basic research as well as clinical studies, the inclusion of nurses, other health professionals and parents, and the organisation of teaching and outreach programs to improve childhood cancer care in limited resource communities. Today, SIOP is a truly global, multifaceted organisation and is the only global multidisciplinary society entirely devoted to paediatric and adolescent cancer. The Society has over 4,100 members worldwide including doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, scientists and researchers etc. SIOP members are dedicated to increasing knowledge about all aspects of childhood cancer. Their vision is that no child should die of cancer: cure for more, care for all. To learn more, visit https://siop-online.org/