A message of hope for young cancer patients
Childhood cancer is rare, affecting 1 in 500 children under the age of 15 and accounting for just 1% of all cancers. Furthermore, survival rates have improved significantly; 4 decades ago just 20% of childhood cancer sufferers were cured; today that figure has risen to almost 80%. Nevertheless, every year close on 20,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in the EU, and after accidents, cancer is the leading cause of death among those aged between 1 and 15 in Europe. In addition, those who survive a cancer in childhood often experience long-term side effects of their treatment that affect their quality of life well into adulthood. The aim of the European Direct project was to explain to the public how research (including EU-funded research) has resulted in new treatments for childhood cancer. The project team also worked to raise awareness of the ongoing need for research to ensure the long-term wellbeing of childhood cancer patients and survivors. To demonstrate just how successful modern cancer treatments for children are, the project organised two well-publicised events involving survivors of childhood cancers. A tough five-day mountaineering challenge saw eight childhood cancer survivors climb Austria's highest peak, the 3,798-metre Grossglockner. 'These young people display an incredible inner strength, determination and endurance,' said the mountain guide who led the expedition. Elsewhere, 40 childhood cancer survivors in Germany took part in a 600 km bike ride from Mannheim to Cologne. The cyclists stopped at children's hospitals en route to meet young cancer patients and pass on the message of hope - 'You can make it, just like we did!' Both challenges feature in a book which is designed to offer hope and encouragement to young cancer patients and their families and friends.