From the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's newsletter:
Funding Sought for Conquer Childhood Cancer Act
The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act unanimously passed Congress in July 2008. This law authorizes $30 million annually for five years to fund pediatric cancer research, awareness programs and the creation of a national childhood cancer registry. But while this funding was "authorized" last year, it needs to be "appropriated" each year as part of the annual budget process.
Despite a nearly 80 percent survival rate for pediatric cancer patients, more than 2,000 children lose their battle with the disease each year. In fact, cancer remains the number one cause of death from disease among children. Full funding of this law would do the following:
- Increase pediatric cancer research at NCI to enhance doctors' knowledge of the causes, diagnosis, treatment and long-term effects of the disease in children.
- Expand public awareness of childhood cancer through education programs, peer-to-peer and parent-to-parent support networks, psychological counseling and other support services.
- Create a national childhood cancer registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track the epidemiology of pediatric cancer.
These funds are critical to advancing our knowledge and treatment of cancer in children. Despite the advances that have already been made, the treatments for some childhood cancers are inadequate. And nearly two-thirds of all childhood cancer survivors experience late-effects of their cancer and treatment, such as psychosocial effects and an increase in the development of secondary cancers.
LLS has joined in a letter as part of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, urging Congress to provide funding for programs created under the Act. Advocates should be on the lookout in the near future for ways they can play a role in urging their representatives to support funding for these vital programs. The Alliance for Childhood Cancer letter is attached below:
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