September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
It happens every September across the world. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month started in 1990, and 2024 marks its 34th anniversary.
Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people will receive the devastating news that they have cancer. Of those 10, two will not survive. In the UK, the number of children with cancer has grown by 13% since the early 2000s and cancer remains the most common cause of death in children aged one to 14 in the UK. Of those who survive, many will have long-term side effects that may significantly impact their lives forever.
It is important to understand the types of cancer affecting children, and that the causes of childhood cancer are quite different to those affecting adults.
Several types of cancer are virtually unique to children, but the cancers most often seen in adults – including those of the lung, breast and stomach – are extremely rare in children. Most types of cancer become more common as we get older.
Children with Cancer UK are developing knowledge about why children develop cancer and are gaining new insights into the genetic and environmental causes of cancer to see if prevention is possible. They hope to improve the diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of children with cancer.
Halton Cancer Support
Halton Cancer Support is a local charity that offers information and help to anyone affected by cancer. If you have a child within your family whose life has been touched by cancer they have a program which is delivered in conjunction with their school offering them a safe place to talk about their feelings and practical coping strategies.
0151 423 5730
info@haltoncancersupport.org.uk
21-23 Alforde Street, Widnes. WA8 7TR.
Further organisations are also available to support children and young people and their families during the cancer journey – such as patient family accommodation and financial hardship grants – to help alleviate some of the burdens a cancer diagnosis places on children with cancer and their families.
