September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is a month of anticipation, primarily due to all the fun upcoming holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas; however, for those affected by childhood cancer, it’s a time to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer research. This September, let’s turn sympathy into action.
What is Childhood Cancer?
Childhood cancer refers to cancer that occurs in children and adolescents, typically under 19 years old. Cancer in children is relatively rare compared to cancer in adults. However, it poses a serious threat due to its profound impact on children and their families. The most prevalent types of pediatric cancer include:
- Leukemia: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow
- Brain and spinal cord tumors: Tumors causing brain or spine problems
- Neuroblastoma: A cancer that typically starts in the adrenal glands but can also start in nerve tissues along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis
Survival rates may vary based on different variables, such as the tumor type, location of the cancer, and access to treatment. Low and middle-income countries often have lower survival rates due to less access to treatments and hospitals.
Unfortunate Realities: The Numbers Behind Childhood Cancer
Despite all this improvement, cancer still poses a serious threat to children and adolescents. Here are some statistics:
- Even though about 400,000 children/adolescents develop cancer each year, only around half are diagnosed.
- About 100,000 children every year lose their lives to cancer.
- More than 95% of childhood cancer survivors will have significant chronic health issues.
- Childhood cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease among children.
Cancer treatments can have harsh side effects such as mental health issues, memory loss, stunted growth, nerve damage, heart and organ damage, infertility, and more.
Childhood cancer is difficult for the entire family.
- One in four families lose over 40% of their annual household income as a result of childhood cancer-related work disruption.
- One in three families faces other work-related disruptions, such as job loss or having to change jobs.
- Loved ones of children with cancer are at risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Insights on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 2024 marks the 34th Childhood Cancer Awareness Month since its inception in 1990. The primary goals of this month are to raise awareness about childhood cancer, advocate for increased funding for childhood cancer research, provide support for families affected by this disease, and honor fighters and survivors.
During this month, many people showcase their support for children with cancer by making social media posts (using #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth and #GoGold), hosting fundraisers (such as lemonade stands, charity runs, and auctions), and organizing educational events. Celebrations often honor the achievements of children who have fought cancer, as well as their families and friends. Memorials and tributes are created to recognize children who have lost their lives to cancer. Advocates meet with legislators and government officials to push for better pediatric care policies.
It is a month in which families, patients, advocacy organizations, healthcare institutions, and compassionate individuals participate. Fortunately, the number of people participating in activities this month has steadily increased. There’s no doubt that this advocacy is effective. Due to increased research, the overall childhood cancer survival rate has increased from 20% in 1962 to 80% today.
Simple Actions You Can Do to Make a Big Difference
Education
Educating yourself and others is an important step in fighting childhood cancer. You can do this by reading inspirational stories, learning about childhood cancer, and hosting/attending educational seminars. If you are a parent, try working with your child’s school to incorporate childhood cancer awareness activities during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness. The Sassy Carmen Foundation™ offers an abundance of educational resources on our blog.
Help with tasks
This September is the perfect time to show support for a family facing childhood cancer (although you can do this any time of the year). Help lessen the burden on these families by offering to help with everyday tasks:
- Buy/Make a meal or treat
- Run errands
- Help with yard work and chores
- Help with childcare (babysitting siblings, driving a child to and from school)
Give encouragement
Sending an encouraging letter or message is greatly appreciated. Letters of encouragement can provide a bright moment in someone’s day or act as a connection to the outside world. Sending a care package is also very considerate.
Share your story
If you have an experience with childhood cancer, please consider sharing your story. This includes the cancer journey, challenges faced, and milestones reached. Personal stories are crucial to raising awareness and they help you connect with others going through a similar journey.
If you are looking to connect with other families going through a similar situation, consider joining a support group (virtual or physical). If there are no in-person support groups near you, you can start one of your own. This provides an avenue for families dealing with pediatric cancer to know that they are not alone in their journey.
Learn about early warning signs
One major problem regarding pediatric cancer is the failure to recognize early warning signs. As a parent, educating yourself and others about childhood cancer symptoms can help you advocate for your child if they develop signs of cancer, allowing for earlier treatment and a better chance of survival.
Policy change
Partner with advocacy organizations and encourage legislative changes that can increase funding for research and improve treatment access around the world. Collaborate with others to set goals and create strategies. Reach out to legislators and representatives who have influence over pediatric cancer policies. You can also show your support by attending events planned by advocacy organizations.
Ways to Show Your Support During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Volunteer
Want to help but don’t know where to start? Reach out to a local hospital or non-profit organization to see if there are any ways to help. Many organizations offer numerous volunteer opportunities. The Sassy Carmen Foundation™ is a non-profit currently operated by volunteers. We offer in-person and remote volunteer opportunities.
Fundraiser
Hosting a fundraiser is also extremely beneficial. Some ideas include lemonade stands, bake sales, garage sales, crowdfunding campaigns, craft fairs, car washes, or clothing/toy drives. If hosting a fundraiser is not your thing, you can attend an event rally nearby. Another way to support a fundraiser is by spreading the word. Share social media posts and collateral materials with your friends, family, and co-workers.
Donations
If you want to help but don’t have the time to host or join an event, consider donating to a childhood cancer advocacy organization. Many organizations rely on monetary donations or the donation of goods to fund their programs. The Sassy Carmen Foundation™ is currently accepting monetary donations, gift cards for food, gas, and transportation, and gifts.
The donations families receive help assist in tasks such as creating family memories through bonding activities, providing transportation assistance, and assisting family members with day-to-day operations and meal planning.
Wear Gold
The gold ribbon is the symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness. It represents bravery and resilience. Showcase your support and spread awareness by wearing gold clothing, ribbons, or accessories this September.
Taking any one of these steps can help make a big impact. Even if you are not a parent or caregiver, it is still important to participate in this impactful month and showcase your appreciation and support.
Future Prospects and Goals
Thanks to determined advocacy efforts, cancer treatments continue to advance. However, our journey is far from over. This September, we will continue to focus on Childhood Cancer, improving survival rates, advancing treatment options, reducing side effects, increasing research funding, improving access to treatment, and addressing health disparities. Looking toward the future, we advocate for the creation of more precise medicine, acceleration in the development and approval of new therapies, global collaboration, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence to enhance diagnostics and treatments.
Join us in supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
At The Sassy Carmen Foundation™, we are determined to fight the challenges faced by families dealing with pediatric cancer. Together, as a community, we can help increase awareness, research, support, and funding. For more information on how to get involved, please visit our website to find out how you can make a difference. Remember, cooperation and advocacy are key.
References
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). (2024, August 1). https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
Join us this September. World Child Cancer. (2023, August 22). https://worldchildcancer.org/ccam/
www.GoOnline.ca. (2001, September 19). September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!. Michael Cuccione Foundation. https://www.childhoodcancerresearch.org/news-and-announcements/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month
Childhood cancer facts. Children’s Cancer Research Fund. (2023, July 25). https://childrenscancer.org/education/childhood-cancer-facts/
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Children’s Cancer Cause. (n.d.). https://www.childrenscancercause.org/september
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. ACCO. (2022, September 6). https://www.acco.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Children’s Cancer Research Fund. (2023, September 7). https://childrenscancer.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – NCI. (2021, August 31). https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/news/upcoming-events/childhoodcancerawarenessmonth
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. CURE Childhood Cancer. (2024, July 25). https://curechildhoodcancer.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
Childhood cancer awareness month: September. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month | September – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (n.d.). https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/childhood-cancer-awareness-month.html
