Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Tue 1 - Wed 30 Sept 2026

Each September is global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we’d love you to get involved by getting your family and friends or businesses and schools to help.

Here are the TOP THREE ways you can help:

• An easy way to make a difference is to Give GOLD. With every donation, children with cancer and their families can access free critical care services. Make a donation.
• Make an impact this September and Wear GOLD. We have gold shoelaces, gold ribbon earrings, scrunchies, lapel pins, wristbands and yellow awareness ribbons for sale. Shop our online store.
• Time to step up and Be GOLD. Become a Childhood Champion with a monthly donation; hold your own event; or be brave by taking on a physical challenge. Create a fundraising page.

You can also become a digital ambassador and share social media posts about childhood cancer and the work that we do to increase awareness.

Have something else in mind? We invite you to contact us and we'll help turn your idea in to action!

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Background

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was first proclaimed by former US President Obama in 2010. Since then it has become a global initiative, raising awareness for childhood cancer.

The Gold Ribbon is the International Awareness Symbol of Childhood Cancer, with gold being the international colour of childhood cancer awareness.

Childhood Cancer Statistics

• Each year, more than 1,000 children and adolescents in Australia - and 400,000 worldwide - are diagnosed with cancer.
• Cancer kills more children than any other disease in Australia.
• When a child dies from cancer, an average 70 potential years of life are lost.
• Every week, about three children and adolescents in Australia die from cancer.
• 70% of children who survive cancer suffer long-term effects from their treatment.

Source: Children's Cancer Institute 2023

Locally, in South Australia, the Childhood Cancer Association receives an average of 60 referrals each year, for children newly diagnosed with cancer. In addition to this an average of 10 children relapse and 10 children pass away from cancer every year.

At present, the Childhood Cancer Association supports more than 400 families affected by childhood cancer.