The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Contrary to public perception, cancer is not just an adult disease.
Cancer is the second leading cause of childhood deaths, second only to accidents.
Cancer strikes 46 children, or the equivalent of two classrooms of children, every school day. In 1975, only 35 percent of children with cancer survived more than five years. We must strive, however, to continue to increase the chances of survival for all children afflicted with this tragic disease. Childhood cancer has a unique set of characteristics and problems, necessitating specialized research. While many adult cancers result from lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet, occupational, and other exposure to cancer-causing agents, the causes of most childhood cancers are not yet known.