September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
In the United States in 2017, an estimated 10,270 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children from birth to 14 years, and about 1,190 children are expected to die from the disease. Although pediatric cancer death rates have declined by nearly 70 percent over the past four decades, cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children. The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14 years are leukemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and lymphomas. (1)
Most of the progress made in identifying curative therapies for childhood cancers has been achieved through clinical trials. One of the largest funders of clinical trials is the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Currently, they are conducting multiple Phase 1 clinical trials at 24 hospitals nationwide. (2)
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continuously conducts research in childhood cancers. The hospital also conducts Phase I, Phase 2, and Phase 3 clinical trials in childhood cancer. (3)
Here are facts about Childhood Cancer provided by the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation:
- 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer.
- 43 children per day or 15,780 children per year are expected to be diagnosed with cancer.
- More than 95% of childhood cancer survivors will have a significant health-related issue by the time they are 45 years of age. These health-related issues are side-effects of either cancer or more commonly, the result of its treatment.
- Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease among children.
- Since 1980, fewer than 10 drugs have been developed for use in children with cancer. Only three drugs (teniposide and clofarabine, and Unituxin for use in high-risk neuroblastoma) have been approved for use in children. Only four additional new drugs have been approved for use by both adults and children.
- The average cost of a stay in a hospital for a child with cancer is $40,000.
- Only 4% of federal government cancer research funding goes to study pediatric can
Numerous Fundraising Events in September
Many organizations are supporting the movement in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month during September. St. Jude Children’s Hospital is hosting 65 walk/runs in communities across America.
In addition to events taking place across the country, two dozen national partners are supporting St. Jude through various Childhood Cancer Awareness Month activities in September. Partners include Kmart, LOFT, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Carnival Cruise Line, AmazonSmile, CBS Sports, PayPal, Lancôme, CARS, Jewelers for Children, eBay, Green Giant, Cox Automotive, Publishers Clearing House, Medieval Times, Line-X, Coton Colors, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Nurse Mates, Cratejoy, Chase54, Assurance Financial, Bundle of Dreams and Winston Flowers.
National Series sponsors for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer events are Target, Thrivent Mutual Funds and American Airlines®. Chili’s Grill & Bar returns this year as the Platinum national team, and the Gold national teams are Tri Delta, DXL Men’s Apparel, Domino’s, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Fraternity and Window World.
Metro Diner is partnering with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to encourage guest to ’round-up’ their check to raise funds.
September is the time to participate in events and to learn more about Childhood Cancer!
References:
(2) National Pediatric Cancer Fund, Facts About Childhood Cancer
(3) St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Clinical Trials