Childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among children ages one to 19.
Breakthroughs in childhood cancer research have led to more and more children surviving their cancer diagnosis, but progress in treating certain types of cancer remains limited. And, children who survive cancer, often must deal with a lifetime of medical side effects.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To honor this month, ACS CAN is supporting the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research Act of 2017 - the STAR Act.
The STAR Act increases funding for childhood cancer research with the goal of improving the lives of children with cancer.
To accomplish this, the STAR Act:
Currently, the STAR Act has been introduced in the House and the Senate. In the House, over 60% of the members have signed on as co-sponsors. During the month, ACS CAN and other patient groups are working to gain more co-sponsors and to move the bill forward in both the House and the Senate.
Are you ready to help end childhood cancer?
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, send a message to your member of Congress and ask them to enhance our nation's work in treating and curing childhood cancer by supporting the STAR Act.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.