Alicante to Launch Summer Programme to Promote Socialisation of Adolescents with Cancer

More psychosocial care programmes and greater long-term follow-up for survivors. These are the two main demands raised this Friday in Alicante on the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day. The Blue Hall of Alicante Town Hall hosted the event to raise awareness, which will be complemented tonight by the illumination of the town hall facade and the Luceros fountain in gold, symbolising the fight against childhood cancer.

During the institutional event, Mayor Luis Barcala announced that the municipal government is working with the Association of Parents of Children with Cancer of the Valencian Community (Aspanion) to develop a specific programme this summer to support the socialisation of adolescents with cancer.

"This year we want to emphasise the specific issues faced by adolescents and their families when dealing with a disease like cancer, as well as the need for psychosocial support programmes for those affected and their families, which go beyond diagnosis and treatment," said the mayor.

Barcala also advocated for "specialisation in treatments and emotional support for children and adolescents, who face different challenges, such as the isolation that the disease can impose during a stage of their lives where socialisation with other adolescents is crucial."

Representatives from the municipal corporation, Aspanion, the Charlie Association, the San Rafael Centre, the president of the Federation of Bonfires, David Olivares, and the Bellea del Foc, Alba Muñoz, also participated in Friday's event.

Aspanion Vice President Alejandro López and Charlie Association Coordinator Ana Catalá emphasised the need to raise awareness of childhood cancer all year round and thanked Alicante Town Hall for its "support and commitment".

Young Zaira and the Vice President of Aspanion were responsible for reading this year's manifesto, highlighting "the need for all children and adolescents with cancer and their families to have access to adequate psychosocial care throughout the disease process".

They also stressed the need to "raise awareness and train education professionals to understand the reality affecting children when they return to school, facilitating their integration".

Finally, they called for the promotion of "long-term follow-up for childhood cancer survivors within the healthcare system". Approximately 250,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide, with 1,500 in Spain and 150 in the Valencian Community, according to association figures.