Childhood Cancer Awareness Month takes place in September.
The treatment rate for childhood cancer is more successful than ever, but the fight isn’t over. As September quickly approaches, Montclair State University and Montclair’s public schools resume once again. In most northern states, September is typically the beginning of a new school year, and as students dive into a busy schedule, it is often forgotten that the month of September is also dedicated to Childhood Cancer Awareness.
Childhood cancer affects 13,000 children each year in the United States alone. Statistically speaking, 1 in every 330 children will be diagnosed before the age of 30. Juvenile cancer differs from adult cancer because it is much more difficult to prevent. Additionally, there are few environmental factors that are related to childhood cancer and very little research has been done to discover its other potential causes. It is also one of the least funded and researched cancers today. These reasons – and many more – are why Childhood Cancer Awareness month is extremely important to getting closer to a cure.
Childhood cancer is often difficult to recognize. Some symptoms that parents should be aware of are unusual lumps or swelling, easy bruising and loss of energy. It is important to look for these signs because early detection is a key component in the treatment of this disease.
Juvenile cancer is something that has even affected the community of Montclair. A Montclair mother tried promoting a walk for childhood cancer several years ago after discovering that her daughter of two and a half years of age was diagnosed with leukemia. For those living in the community, this hits very close to home and only strengthens the need to promote awareness of this disease.
That’s not to say that there hasn’t been improvement over the past few decades. Forty years ago, childhood cancer was at a 10 percent cure rate, and now treatment has become more successful than ever with 78 percent of those diagnosed being cured. That being said, the fight is still not over.
In the month of September, show that you care by sporting a gold ribbon on your clothing. A support system is needed for the individuals and their families that are suffering from any type of cancer. In the wake of this disease, these kids don’t give up and neither should the residents of Montclair. Childhood cancer awareness needs to continue to increase and you can help. Proudly wear a gold ribbon on your clothing in the month of September and let’s end this battle together!
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