Childhood Cancer Research

Photo of Child Cancer Patient

Cancer Research Funding

In 2023, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 1,500 will die from the disease.  While significant progress has been made against certain forms of childhood cancer, advances in other types have been absent. Most survivors of childhood cancer also develop chronic conditions or have experienced a severe or life-threatening condition due to their treatment.  Progress in improving childhood cancer outcomes relies on regular, federal investment in childhood cancer research, including continued funding for the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act and Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI).

 

Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for children aged 1-19.

While cancer is much rarer in children compared to adults, the disease can take a tremendous toll because it strikes so early in life and survivors face high rates of late effects that can last a lifetime.

Read the Childhood Cancer Landscape Report

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Child with mother
National

Urge Congress to help save lives from childhood cancer

Congress has a role to play in saving lives from childhood cancer and improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. 

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Latest Updates

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ACS CAN Volunteers Advocate for Childhood Cancer Research

April 24, 2023

ACS CAN volunteers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., from across the nation to join more than 200 cancer patients, survivors and family members from 34 states and the District of Columbia for the 12th Annual Alliance for Childhood Cancer Action Days, a two-day event organized by the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, of which ACS CAN is a member

Local childhood cancer survivor advocates in D.C.

April 24, 2023
West Virginia

200 cancer patients, survivors and family members made the trip to the nation’s capital to urge lawmakers to fund childhood cancer programs. One of those voices and stories that will be heard is 13-year-old Maidsville, West Virginia resident, and childhood cancer survivor, Larkin Coker. Read more at wboy.com .

One Year Anniversary of Cancer Moonshot Reignition Brings Progress and Opportunity

February 2, 2023
National

American Cancer Society and ACS CAN statement on one-year anniversary of reignition of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

American Cancer Society and ACS CAN Statement on Retirement of National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins

October 5, 2021
National

Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) issued the following statement in response to the announced retirement of the National Institutes of Health Director, Dr. Francis Collins.

Childhood Cancer Research Resources

Federal Funding for Childhood Cancer Programs

May 4, 2023

Progress in improving childhood cancer outcomes relies on regular, federal investment in childhood cancer research, including continued funding for the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act and Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI). 

Childhood Cancer Research and Funding

March 15, 2023

ACS CAN has been involved in a number of significant successes for childhood cancer appropriations including The Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act and Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI).

Improving Quality of Life for Children with Cancer

August 29, 2019

Research has improved treatments and boosted survival in some types of pediatric cancer, but treatment toxicities still can cause significant suffering that continues into adulthood and can last a lifetime.