As the global childhood cancer community marked International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) 2026 under the theme “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change”, the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) highlighted the life-changing impact of its programmes supporting children, teenagers and their families across South Africa.
International Childhood Cancer Day is led globally by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), a worldwide network of childhood cancer organisations advocating for improved care, equity and outcomes for children with cancer, on 15 February.
Through its alignment with CCI and global childhood cancer priorities, CHOC contributes local insight and on-the-ground impact to a broader international movement focused on access to care, psychosocial support and quality of life.
ICCD places a strong emphasis on demonstrating impact, moving from challenge to change and goes beyond awareness to show how, when we stand together, access to care and psychosocial services create meaningful outcomes for children and teenagers facing cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.
In South Africa, where many families must travel long distances to access specialised treatment, the journey can be overwhelming. CHOC plays a critical role by providing accommodation close to treatment centres, transport assistance, psychosocial and emotional support, as well as educational programmes that help children and adolescents continue learning during treatment.
“Being part of a global movement led by organisations like CCI reminds us that impact is not just a local responsibility, it’s a shared one,” says CHOC CEO Hedley Lewis. “Our role is to ensure that global priorities translate into real, practical support for families here at home.”
Through its national network of CHOC regional offices, the organisation supports families at every stage of the childhood cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and bereavement care.
CHOC helps to reduce the emotional and financial strain on families, allowing them to focus on what matters most: their child’s wellbeing.
As International Childhood Cancer Day 2026 was marked, CHOC is calling on South Africans to turn awareness into action. One of the simplest ways to get involved is by participating in Flip Flop Day this Friday (20 February).
By wearing flip flops and purchasing a R10 Flip Flop Day sticker, individuals, schools and workplaces can help ensure that children and teenagers with cancer, and their families, do not walk this journey alone.
- For more information about CHOC’s programmes, visit www.choc.org.za.
