Globally on an annual basis, more than 400 000 children and adolescents below 20 are diagnosed with cancer, according to the foundation.

The rate of survival depends on the region, with at least 80% survival in most high-income countries but as low as 20% only in low and middle-income countries. In South Africa, the South African Children's Tumour Registry reports about 1 000 new cases a year for children under the age of 16.

This is an increase from 10 years ago. The survival rate of cancer in children in South Africa is around 55% and seems to be on the rise, says the foundation.

The target goal of the WHO Global Childhood Cancer Initiative is to eliminate all pain and suffering of children fighting cancer and achieve at least 60% survival for all children diagnosed with cancer around the world by 2030.

This represents an approximate doubling of the current cure rate and will save an additional one million children's lives over the next decade.

ICCD will be held on Monday, 15 February. "The campaign encourages individuals and organisations to stand up and speak out for children with cancer, survivors of cancer, and their families," says Taryn Seegers, a communications coordinator.

"It is a day where we can unite in solidarity, be advocates for childhood cancer and promote initiatives that promote the plight and needs of children and teenagers with cancer, their families and the survivor," adds Seegers.

The foundations says that the public can show their support of children and teenagers living with cancer by participating in CHOC's second Flip Flop Day campaign on Friday, 12 February.

"We are so excited for our second Flip Flop Day," says Seegers. "Flip Flops are most certainly a part of almost all of our wardrobes and who isn't looking for an excuse to wear them? Now we're giving the public the chance to show us their heart by wearing a sole to bring some colour to the streets and highlight the importance of the work that CHOC does."

"[It will] raise some much-needed funding to keep our young South Africans and their families supported through the long and challenging journey that they are facing. Our first Flip Flop Day raised well over R1.5-million and showed us that it truly is possible to make a massive difference in the lives of these families," Seegers says. 

"We are convinced that this year will be even more successful. Have a heart, wear a sole and set your toes free," concludes Seegers.

The campaign will be supported by PNA Stationers, one of South Africa's largest and most successful retail stores, as well as Tekkie Town, a footwear retailer. The public will be able to pop into any of these stores nationwide and grab their Flip Flop Day sticker to support the initiative.

For more information, visit www.choc.org.za. You can also follow the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram