Childhood Cancer Initiatives
Since the mid-1950s, cooperative research has improved the survival rates for childhood cancer in the United States from less than 10% to almost 80% overall. Cure rates vary according to each specific type of childhood cancer, and some types remain very difficult to cure. All cure rates need to be improved. A major emphasis for the past two dozen years has been on improving the quality of life for patients cured of cancer during childhood. The modern definition of “cure” for children goes far beyond achieving disappearance of the evidences of cancer. It now includes the goals of psychosocial, educational, and occupational reintegration of the child into a successful life. In social terms, the impact of this achievement is considerable: The cure of a child saves an entire lifetime. 1 Globally, there are an estimated 260,000 children diagnosed with cancer every year. 80% of those children live in countries with limited healthcare resources, creating obstacles to both early diagnosis and effective treatment. Low-income countries account for over 90% of childhood cancer deaths, and it is estimated that the overall incidence of pediatric cancer in these countries is on the rise. 1 Sourced from www.curesearch.org |