WASHINGTON, DC—On the occasion of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, which falls on September 13, 2008, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton released the following statement:

 

“Commemorating National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day allows us to remember all those children and families who have been affected by cancer. We have made tremendous strides in our efforts to treat cancers in children, but far too many still suffer and lose their lives to this disease. We must do more to increase research into pediatric cancers, and work to improve the quality of life for all children who are dealing with cancer and its aftereffects.   I join millions around the nation in recognizing this day and renewing our commitment to finding a cure for childhood cancer.”

 

In May, the Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senators Clinton and Allard designating September 13 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. In addition, Senator Clinton introduced the Senate version of the Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life Act, which was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA). This legislation would expand cancer control and surveillance programs, increase research in survivorship, and develop model systems of care and monitoring for pediatric cancer survivors.

 

Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer and the second overall leading cause of death of children in the United States. More than 10,000 children under the age of 15 in the United States are diagnosed with cancer annually. Successful treatment means that more than 270,000 childhood cancer survivors are alive today.  However, according to the Institute of Medicine, more than two thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience late effects, which include complications, disabilities, or additional occurrence of cancer.

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