10 Facts You Need to Know About Childhood Cancer

Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The object of which is to strengthen America’scommitment to finding a cure for pediatric cancerand highlight issues facing children diagnosedwith cancer and their families.

1

President George H.W. Bush

Signed the first proclamation for NationalChildhood Cancer Awareness Month in 1990.Since then, many federal, state, local and privateinitiatives have galvanized support for childhoodcancer research, awareness and outreach duringthe month of September.

2

An estimated 10,450 new casesand 1,350 cancer deaths

Are expected to occur among children (aged 0-14years) in 2014, and an additional 5,330 new cases and610 cancer deaths are expected among adolescents(aged 15-19 years), according to a 2014 report onChildhood and Adolescent Cancer from the AmericanCancer Society.

3

Cancer is the second leadingcause of death

In children aged 5 to 14 years, according to thesame study. This is despite advances intreatment, which have increased the overall five-year survival rate for childhood cancers toapproximately 80 percent.

4

The National Cancer InstituteSpent $208.1 million out of its $507 billion budgeton pediatric cancer research in 2013. Manypediatric cancer advocacy organizations believethese numbers reflect a gross underfunding ofpediatric cancer research.

5

The diagnosis of pediatric cancerPresents both an emotional and financial crisis forfamilies. The average hospital admissions chargeincreased 32 percent from $29,000 to $40,400 between 2000and 2009, according to a 2012 study published in thejournal Pediatrics. In 2004, the average cost for treatmentof a child diagnosed with leukemia or central nervousdisorders was $89,000 for those who survived and$236,000 for those who died, according to the same study.

6

Cancer is a traumatic experience for children.

The physical symptoms of cancer and the effects ofcancer treatment — such as pain, disfigurement, hairloss, fatigue, and weight loss or gain — may negativelyimpact a child’s social and emotional development,according to a study by the American PsychologicalOrganization.

7

Children’s Cancer RecoveryFoundation (CCRF)

Focuses on improving the mental, social and emotional well-being of childrendiagnosed with cancer and their families through outreach and supportprograms. Our initiatives have included providing scholarships to camp,helping out with utility bills and other household expenses, internationaloutreach and bringing gifts to hundreds of children in hospitals across thecountry. CCRF believes many cases of childhood cancer are preventable. OurToxic free Kids educational campaign focuses on maintaining a healthyenvironment and lifestyle through awareness of possible carcinogens.

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Children’s Cancer Awareness MonthIs a great time to show your support for the fight againstcancer and to reach out to families in need. CCRF offersmany opportunities to volunteer — from packing toys fora Bearable Gifts toy delivery, to sponsoring an event orgetting friends together for a Trail Ride of Hope. You canalso donate funds to show your support.

9

Children with cancer are not defined by their illness.

CCRF has started a video campaign called I Define Me tobreak the stigma associated with cancer and show theworld that children with cancer share the same hopes,dreams, interests and joys as all children.

See for yourself and join our campaign at

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www.idefineme.us.

To Make a Donation Visit:

bit.ly/ToDonate