International Childhood Cancer Day – Clowning & Well-being
On February 15th is International Childhood Cancer Day. On this day and every day in RED NOSES we provide support to children and adolescents with cancer and their families.
An estimated 400,000 children around the world develop cancer each year, when the rate of survival depends on the region. In RED NOSES we know that children with cancer and their families should not go through this journey alone. They need support, assistance and caring.
According to studies, pediatric cancer patients experience multiple physical and psychoneurological symptoms (e.g., cancer-related fatigue [CRF], stress, pain, anxiety) with a high level of symptom distress experienced mainly during hospitalization for chemotherapy.
Through visits at the bedside, the clowns have an important impact on the psychosocial wellbeing and the recovery process of the children. Their presence inspires a calm atmosphere reducing anxiety or fear and diverting the focus away from the medical procedure.
With the Intensive Smile format, clowns have become more and more integrated into the treatments and therapies of young patients. Children are empowered to return to their natural playfulness, something that is even more important for long-term pediatric patients, to whom feelings of inadequacy and depression may arise.
The UN Rights of the Child states: Children have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.
Let's raise our voices in improving their health, quality of life, and well-being and envision a future where all children with cancer benefit from the best possible treatment and psychosocial support regardless of where they live in the world.
