Cancer is the #1 disease-related killer of children under the age of 14.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month spotlighting the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and - importantly - to help raise funds for research groups working towards a cure.

In the United States, over 12,400 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.  Imagine a classroom full of children every single day, year after year.

The incidence of cancer among children is increasing.  Currently, one in every 330 children in the US develops cancer before the age of nineteen.   Imagine two classrooms full of children every school day.

About 4,000 children die from cancer each year.  That's 11 children every single day, every single year.  Imagine how many classrooms...

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family begins a journey which is lengthy, sometimes torturous, and always laced with apprehension.  Treatments, whether on an outpatient or inpatient basis are time-consuming, frightening and depending on the drugs can change the personality and appearance of the child. 

A whirlwind of emotions and challenges surrounds the siblings of children with cancer, from whether they are to blame, to feelings of abandonment, jealousy and fear adding to the burden the parents are already dealing with regarding their child's illness.

When you become aware of a child who is diagnosed with cancer, gather friends and loved ones to offer support for the family such as meals, babysitting, transportation, caring for the family pet, emotional support and financial help if needed.

Childhood cancers are mostly leukemias (affecting the white blood cells), brain, bone, the lymphatic system and tumors of the muscles, kidneys and nervous system, and each has different characteristics.

Cancers in very young children are highly aggressive and behave unlike malignant disease seen at other times of life. The median age for childhood cancer is six.  Due to the vagueness of symptoms, children frequently have a more advanced stage of cancer when they are first diagnosed and 80% of the cancers have metastasized (spread) to other organs in the body decreasing the chance of survival.

No parent ever thinks their child will develop cancer, just as no daughter thinks her mother will get cancer, or husband ever imagine his wife to have cancer, etc.  It is important to be aware of the symptoms, taking note of persistent or sudden health changes or complaints.  Annual physical exams can be beneficial if you suspect something is amiss.

Signs of Childhood Cancer from goldribbons.com website:

C - continued, unexplained weight loss
H - headaches, often with vomiting, at night or early morning
 I - increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs
L - lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits
D - development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash

C - constant infections
A - whitish color behind the pupil
N - nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea
C - constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
E - eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist
R - recurrent fevers of unknown origin

The Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus will be hosting its first Childhood Cancer Summit on September 16, 2010 from 9am - 10:30am in 2325 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Pediatric Cancer Caucus, co-chaired by Joe Sestak (D-PA) an...d Michael McCaul (R-TX), is planning a summit to educate Members of Congress and staff on issues related to childhood cancer. This briefing will provide information on a variety of topics from research, to drug development, to survivorship.

Panels of experts will be presenting the information, including Dr. Susan Weiner, Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy's President and Founder, Cynthia Duncan, Director of Advocacy at CureSearch , Dr. Peter Adamson from Children's Oncology Group, Nancy Goodman from KIDS V CANCER, and doctors from Texas Children's Cancer Center, Children's Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center, St. Jude, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and Memorial Sloan Kettering.

These participants will address current legislation that promotes drug development and survivorship, as well as needed advancements in the field of childhood cancer to better treat and prevent this disease.

"Public are permitted to attend however seating/standing room are limited so please call" - Sestak's office is (202) 225-2011 and McCaul's office is 202-225-2401

If you can't attend, you can always write your reps to make sure they are members of the Caucus and support the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act - find your rep here: http://capwiz.com/curesearch/dbq/officials/?lvl=C

The gold ribbon is the official ribbon of children with cancer worldwide, supported, recognized and promoted by hundreds of organizations and treatment centers, families, friends, and caregivers.

The children need us; they need a cure.