Childhood Cancer Research

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In 2024, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 1,500 will die from the disease.  While significant progress has been made against certain forms of childhood cancer, advances in other types have been absent. Most survivors of childhood cancer also develop chronic conditions or have experienced a severe or life-threatening condition due to their treatment.  Progress in improving childhood cancer outcomes relies on regular, federal investment in childhood cancer research, including continued funding for the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act and Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI).

 

Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for children aged 1-19.

While cancer is much rarer in children compared to adults, the disease can take a tremendous toll because it strikes so early in life and survivors face high rates of late effects that can last a lifetime.

Read the Childhood Cancer Landscape Report

Take Action

Child with mother

Urge Congress to help save lives from childhood cancer

Congress has a role to play in saving lives from childhood cancer and improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. 

Latest Updates

February 26, 2024
Virginia

ARLINGTON, V.A. – February 26, 2024 – Arlington native and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteer Olivia Bartrum recently trekked to Capitol Hill to share about her experience with pediatric cancer. During her visit, she urged lawmakers, including Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Representatives

February 26, 2024
National

ACS CAN volunteers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., from across the nation to join more than 200 other cancer patients, survivors and family members from 32 states and the District of Columbia in the nation’s capital for the 14 th Annual Alliance for Childhood Cancer Action Days, a two-day event

April 24, 2023
West Virginia

200 cancer patients, survivors and family members made the trip to the nation’s capital to urge lawmakers to fund childhood cancer programs. One of those voices and stories that will be heard is 13-year-old Maidsville, West Virginia resident, and childhood cancer survivor, Larkin Coker.

February 2, 2023
National

American Cancer Society and ACS CAN statement on one-year anniversary of reignition of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

Childhood Cancer Research Resources

This report examines the drug development landscape for childhood cancer, identifying scientific, logistical, economic and ethical challenges that are unique to pediatric cancer drug development. 

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