Let’s start with some of the basic facts about childhood cancer and young adult cancer, excerpted below.
- “Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children”
- “Cancer is the second leading cause of death exceeded only by accidents”
- “80% of children diagnosed with cancer are in developing countries.”
- “50 years ago, less than 10% of children survived cancer.” Now, more than 80% do.
- “The late effects of treatment – which are often life-threatening – mean that ‘childhood cancer is forever.'”
These facts are illustrated by this infographic by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I think that these five points highlight the key issues surrounding the childhood cancer phenomenon. It remains a serious concern for the lives of children around the world. We’ve come a long way in understanding pediatric cancer, but there remains much for us to learn about causes, treatments, cures, and longterm effects. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month aims to illuminate these insufficiencies so that we can recognize them and do something.
Niki K; BY-SA.
Investigating Illness Narratives 