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Crucial Legislation Would Advance Pediatric Cancer Research

February 3, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C – February 3, 2017 – Bipartisan legislation introduced yesterday in Congress would help improve survivorship, treatment and access to care for childhood cancer patients and expand research into childhood cancers and care.

The Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research (STAR) Act (H.R. 820 and S. 292) would advance pediatric cancer research and increases transparency and expertise for pediatric cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additionally, the legislation expands research into the long-term side effects of childhood cancer and its treatments, as well as how to best meet the needs of the growing population of childhood cancer survivors.

“Tragically, a number of pediatric cancers have no effective treatments and remain incurable. The STAR Act will aid in the development of new treatments and improve the quality of life for kids while they receive treatment and throughout the rest of their lives,” said Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “Congress has a significant role to play in addressing these critical areas of need to ensure researchers have the essential tools to fight childhood cancer and make sure children with cancer not only survive, but thrive.”

While advances in treatment have increased the survival rate for some childhood cancers, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children ages 1-19.

The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), as well as Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).  

“I co-founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus because we need to do more in the fight against the number one killer of our children," said Rep. McCaul. "When I was in elementary school, my friend lost his battle to this illness, and this tragedy continues to be a far too frequent occurrence for children across the nation.  That is why we need to move legislation like the STAR Act through Congress this year, and prevent the worst outcomes from becoming a reality.”  

“Childhood cancer is a nightmare for children and their families. And for many of these children, the fight does not end with remission,” said Rep. Speier. “That is why I’m proud to reintroduce the STAR Act and fight for its immediate passage in order to address the care and quality of life of the population of childhood cancer survivors, which is expected to reach 500,000 by the year 2020. The joyful news of remission should never be ruined by the serious threat of financial and emotional turmoil due to the on-going medical needs of these incredibly brave survivors.”

“With far too many children’s lives tragically cut short by cancer, it’s critical that we do all we can to help the brave young people who are fighting these battles,” said Sen. Reed. “The Childhood Cancer STAR Act will bring needed assistance to children with cancer and their families by expanding opportunities for research on childhood cancer and providing new strategies to help survivors overcome late health effects, such as secondary cancers. It is my hope that these efforts will lead to life-saving treatments for children and bring us closer to our ultimate goal of ending pediatric cancer once and for all.”

“ACS CAN applauds these Members of Congress for their commitment to strengthening initiatives that will improve research, treatment and outcomes for children with cancer,” said Hansen. “On behalf of the more than 379,000 childhood and adolescent cancer survivors living in the U.S. today, we urge Congress to quickly take up and pass the STAR Act.”

About ACS CAN
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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Media Contacts

Jill Courtney
ACS CAN
Washington
Alissa Crispino
ACS CAN
Washington