Pediatric cancer is a devastating disease affecting thousands of children and their families yearly. While great strides have been made in the field of cancer research, there is still much work to do, especially when it concerns notoriously underfunded pediatric cancers. 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Some people might think “awareness” is just lip service or slacktivism – something without impact or real purpose. However, awareness is pivotal in advancing research and improving outcomes for children with cancer.

6 Reasons Childhood Cancer Awareness Matters 

Reason #1 – The Funding Funnel 

First and foremost, awareness is a catalyst for funding. Pediatric cancer research requires significant financial resources to develop new treatments, therapies, and clinical trials. Increased awareness helps garner public and private sector support, leading to more substantial investments in research. Without awareness, pediatric cancer research may not reach its full potential. 

Not everyone who becomes aware will give, but think of awareness like a funnel. It’s designed to “catch” as many people as possible, moving them down the funnel from awareness to engaged activism and giving. Not all will be moved to act – but some will, and that matters! 

Here’s a question we see often: why is pediatric cancer research so behind other cancer research? It comes down to two factors: the low incidence rate compared to adult cancers and the need for a specialized approach to treatment. Pediatric cancers are comparatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of all cancer diagnoses. Because of this rarity, pediatric cancer research often receives less attention and funding than adult cancer research. 

Additionally, existing research and treatment tactics for adult cancers don’t have a 1-to-1 translation for child patients. While general cancer research informs pediatric research, it doesn’t address the unique challenges pediatric cancers pose. 

Reason #2 – Professional Collaboration 

Awareness encourages collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups. Increasing public awareness makes more individuals and organizations invested in the cause, leading to partnerships that can accelerate progress. Collaboration can lead to sharing knowledge, data, and resources – ultimately resulting in more effective treatments and better outcomes. 

Reason #3 – Political Impact 

Awareness also brings about legislative changes and policy improvements. When a cause gains widespread attention and support, lawmakers are more likely to pass legislation that supports research funding, drug development, and access to quality care for pediatric cancer patients. 

Reason #4 – Increasing Empathy 

Awareness also reduces the stigma associated with pediatric cancer. Stigma can hinder progress by discouraging families from taking part in clinical trials or discussing their experiences openly. This stigma isn’t the sort that causes people to see cancer patients negatively. Instead, a lack of understanding and knowing how to help causes families and patients to feel isolated. 

When awareness campaigns share the stories of pediatric cancer patients and their families, they help humanize the disease, dispel misconceptions, and promote empathy. It can give communities the tools to know how to help! 

Reason #5 – Educational Advancement 

Awareness also plays a pivotal role in educating healthcare professionals. Many pediatricians and healthcare providers have limited exposure to pediatric cancer during their training, as it is a relatively rare disease. Increased awareness means healthcare providers are better equipped to diagnose and treat pediatric cancer promptly and effectively. 

Reason #6 – Holistic Care 

Awareness campaigns can highlight the need for psychosocial support for pediatric cancer patients and their families. That’s why we do what we do! Coping with a cancer diagnosis is emotionally and psychologically challenging, and awareness efforts can promote the development of support services that address needs beyond treatment. Awareness leads to social and emotional support – something studies show dramatically improves patient outcomes. 

By raising awareness about pediatric cancer, we can ensure that this critical area of research receives the attention, funding, and support it deserves. We’ll see improved treatments, better outcomes, and brighter futures for children diagnosed with cancer. When we work together, we make a difference, so no child faces the battle against cancer alone! 

So, what can you do? Share information about childhood cancer. Read up and educate yourself. And reach out to the people in your life facing cancer. You never know what kind of impact your care could have!

If we’re going to kick cancer together, it all starts here.