Glaring statistics from the National Cancer Institute inform us that childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States. It is estimated in 2022, that over 15,600 children will be diagnosed with childhood cancer, and 1,780 will die of the disease in the United
states.
It is estimated that, in 2022 alone, over 15,600 children will be diagnosed with childhood cancer in the United States.
Childhood cancer patients and their families go through overwhelming experiences as they exude aggression, anxiety, depression, and communicational problems. Moreover, these children and their caregivers have to bear the brunt of going through the current horrendous and inhumane treatment process, treatment complications, and many other care. related problems.
Notably, the parents of children with cancer go through shock, seek denial, and live with double pressure. Their children’s disease affects every aspect of their family lifestyle. Consequently, the quality of life is diminished. Family life is disrupted as family members struggle with a ‘new normal’ that consists of frequent hospital visits, overwhelming medical bills, and a questionable future where the possibility of the child’s death at a young age is always lingering in their minds.
Children who have cancer may be years behind in school and often face the challenge of lasting attentional and memory problems and hearing loss, and other physical limitations. There is a constant fear of relapse, which leaves caregivers and families on constant and overwhelming guard, wondering and worried about the slightest change in body temperature or headache.
It is noteworthy that the federal government has allocated a mere 4% of government funding for cancer research in the U.S., which is far from enough. This percentage needs to be increased to 8% for proper research. The signing of this petition will facilitate the lobbying and passing of a healthcare policy or law that allocates a higher percentage of national resources to childhood cancer research. The increased funds would be a much-needed shot in the arm as public healthcare institutions would constantly be actively researching childhood cancer all year round, rather than wait for September, the Childhood Cancer Awareness month.