University of Coimbra in a partnership to raise awareness of paediatric cancer
The University of Coimbra (UC) has joined forces with the Acreditar Association and the Golden September initiative, which marks the international month of paediatric cancer awareness.
English version: Diana Taborda
The symbol of Golden September is the golden ribbon, which "represents the strength, courage and resilience of those who experience the disease too soon", states the Acreditar Association, one of the organisations behind this movement in Portugal.
"My child's cancer changed everything" is this year's motto, which aims to " bring to light the different realities of those who face cancer too soon". The goal is to achieve "a better quality of life for patients, survivors and carers", adds Acreditar.
In Portugal, there are around 400 new diagnoses every year, and paediatric cancers are the leading cause of death by disease in children over the age of one in Europe, according to the European Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE). Every year, more than 6,000 children and youths die in Europe from paediatric cancer, adds SIOPE.