Facts and Funds

First, let me say this: ALL cancers are terrible things. We look forward to the day when cancer is a thing of the past in all forms.

I fully support the need for research funding for cancer as a whole.

This month, however, is dedicated to our children. As a part of that, it’s important for people to understand the shortage of research funding that exists.

Fact: Childhood cancer is the #1 killer disease of our children, more than from asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and pediatric AIDS combined.

Fact: Each year 3,000 children die and 40,000 are in treatment.

Fact: The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) federal budget was $4.6 billion. Of that, breast cancer received 12%, prostate cancer 7%; while all 12 major groups of pediatric cancers combined less than 3%!  

That’s $552 million allocated for breast cancer. $322 million for prostate cancer. And it’s less that $138 million for pediatric cancers. Not one type of pediatric cancer – the 12 major groups of them.

A disadvantage for children facing cancer – only about 20% of adults diagnosed with some form of cancer are diagnosed with a metastatic cancer- one that has spread from it’s source point to other areas of the body. Approximately 80% of children have a metastatic occurrence at diagnosis. (Stage IV cancer.) These kids need the research to fight and treat these aggressive cancers.

They deserve the chance at life.