Feb. 14, 2025 Together with Patients

【Raising Disease Awareness Activities Conducted in Conjunction with International Childhood Cancer Day】

Currently, it is said that one out of every two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. The probability of developing cancer increases from the 40s, but it is a disease that can occur at any age. Children are not an exception.

Cancers that occur in children under the age of 15 are called "childhood cancers." Every year, more than 300,000 children worldwide and 2,500 to 3,000 children in Japan are diagnosed with childhood cancer. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan, childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of death in children, alongside accidental injuries.

International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)^※1 is a collaborative campaign held annually on February 15th to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents cancer patients and their families.

In conjunction with ICCD, Sumitomo Pharma has set up awareness panels featuring the gold ribbon, a symbol of support for children with cancer, in the lobby of its Osaka Head Office. The panel introduces the current situation of childhood cancer and ways we can provide support.

In this way, we encourage our employees to thoroughly consider what each one of us can do and what actions we can take from the perspective of our core value, "Patient First." Through such endeavors, we aim to contribute to realizing the betterment of healthcare and fuller lives of patients worldwide.

※1 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)：https://www.iccd.care/