The start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month mobilizes communities, organizations, and individuals to advocate for the cause. Various campaigns and initiatives take place throughout the month.

Many organizations host events such as walks, runs, and galas to raise funds for research and support services. These events also provide opportunities for community members to engage and learn more about childhood cancer.

Schools, hospitals, and community centers often participate by organizing educational sessions that inform people about the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, the importance of early detection, and the ongoing need for research.

Awareness is amplified through social media platforms where supporters share stories, facts, and call-to-actions.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to drive action, provide support, and advocate for the children and families affected by this devastating disease. By coming together as a community, we can work towards a future where childhood cancer is no longer a threat but a challenge overcome by innovative treatments, compassionate care, and unwavering support.

September is marked by the gold ribbon, which symbolizes childhood cancer awareness. Gold was chosen because it represents the value of children’s lives and the hope for a future free from cancer.

Some highlights commemorating this month on social media:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC:

“Our cause unites all!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month but here at ALSAC we work to spread awareness each and every day for kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and around the globe.

While there are many things in this world that can create division, there is one thing we can all agree on — no child should die in the dawn of life.

This month, join our lifesaving mission. Finding cures. Saving children.”

Childhood Cancer International:

“Rodney Wong, Childhood Cancer International President and Guillermo Chantada, International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP President share their message about Gold September 2024!

Gold September is a month for raising awareness about childhood cancer and how it affects children and their families. A month that we share experiences, give insights and highlight the importance of working together towards a time where every child with cancer has the best care.

Watch the video to learn more about how you can get involved and show your support throughout the month. Join Our Campaign and help us keep childhood cancer in the spotlight!”

Joshua Omale:

“Day 1: Introduction to childhood cancer awareness month and my personal journey

September is childhood cancer awareness month—a time of deep reflection and purpose for me. This month is not just about raising awareness; it’s about bringing to light the stories that often go untold, the battles that are fought in silence, and the lives that are forever changed.

My journey into childhood cancer advocacy began with a personal loss, and it has since become a mission that I carry close to my heart every day. As I commit to sharing my thoughts and experiences daily this month, I hope to not only raise awareness but to inspire action.

Together, we can give a voice to the voiceless, and ensure that no child or family faces this battle alone.”

Angela Mastronuzzi:

“Today begins Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

As a pediatric oncologist specializing in childhood brain tumors, I am constantly inspired by the strength and resilience of my young patients and their families. Childhood cancer is an incredibly challenging journey, not only for the children who endure it but also for the families who walk every step of this path alongside them.

This month serves as a crucial reminder to raise cancer awareness, support research, and advocate for more effective treatments. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, and we must continue striving for breakthroughs that make that possible.

Let’s take this September to honor the courageous children on this journey, support the families who stand by them with unwavering love, and renew our commitment to advancing care and finding a cure.”

Cyclists Fighting Cancer:

“September is childhood cancer awareness month.
5 children age 0-14 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. 6 year old Oscar who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2021 is one of them.
Mum says:

“Oh my goodness. I can’t even express my gratitude to you. Oscar has had the BEST day on his new bike, also thank you so much for the helmet, his old one didn’t fit his head quite right and this one does.
This is the first time he’s ridden a bike since before he was diagnosed as he lost the ability to walk when he got poorly. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Take on our ‘5 a day’ challenge this September to raise awareness of and support these amazing kids! Thank you.”

Cliona’s Foundation:

“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and around 200 children/teenagers are diagnosed each year in Ireland. We want to give a shout out to all the families that are on a treatment journey with their child and let them know we are here for them.

The hidden financial costs of that journey are approx €15,000 per annum and can place families under severe pressure. in addition to dealing with the diagnosis.! We believe no family should suffer financially when caring for their sick child and provide support to alleviate some of the pressure

If you are a family or know a family that is struggling with these costs please get in touch or if you can help us to continue supporting these families we would love to hear from you.”

Barretstown:

“In celebration of Barretstown’s 30th anniversary and in conjunction with National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are thrilled to partner once again with Applegreen to launch the successful collaborative campaign, ‘Bands for Barretstown.’

This year’s wristbands have been brought to life by Jonathan Lennon, aged 11, alongside his two sisters, Rebekah (13) and Cara (8).

In 2019, at just six years old, Jonathan was diagnosed with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Since then, Jonathan has attended five camps at Barretstown, including a brothers and sisters camp with Cara and Rebekah, as well as participating in online programmes. After several rounds of chemotherapy, Jonathan has finished his treatment and is now in the fifth and final year of remission.

Inspired by his time at the camp, Jonathan chose the phrase ‘I love Barretstown’ as a reflection of the true joy and happiness that his time at Barretstown brought him.

These wristbands are more than just a design – they’re a symbol of resilience and the transformative power of the Barretstown experience.

From Monday, 2nd to Sunday, 8th September, you can purchase a variety of colourful wristbands at Applegreen stores nationwide for just €2.

Every euro raised through these sales will go directly to Barretstown, helping us continue to provide therapeutic camps and programmes for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.”

MISA Motor Industry Staff Association:

“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Public awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer is vital. According to Cansa, between 800 and a thousand children are diagnosed with cancer annually. It’s estimated that half of the children with cancer in South Africa, are never diagnosed.

According to the South African Medical Journal, the overall survival rates for childhood cancer in South Africa remain low, when compared to international data. Greater awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer can encourage earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes for all ethnic groups.

Many childhood cancers are treatable with high treatment success rates between 70% and 80% in well-resourced countries, while approximately 80% of children with cancer in Africa die without access to adequate care – CANSA.

South Africa has an established oncology healthcare service, but the infrastructure is overburdened. The result is that the cancer awareness in the primary healthcare service is poor, and widespread service delivery challenges exist.

The causes of cancer in adults are also usually attributable to lifestyle choices, whereas in children, genetic and environmental factors play a dominant role.

It is important to note that there is a vast difference between childhood cancers and adult cancers, because children are still subject to growth spurts within a short period of time, which may result in the cancer spreading faster and more aggressively. This implies that treatment or advice that may work for adults, will not necessarily work for children.

The five foremost childhood cancersin South Africa are:
· Leukaemia
· Lymphoma (tumours that begin in the lymph glands)
· Brain tumours
· Nephroblastomas or Wilms tumours – cancer of the kidneys
· Soft tissue sarcomas (tumours that begin in the connective tissue)”

Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance:

“During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the extraordinary courage of the hundreds of thousands of children who are facing cancer, who survived cancer, or who were taken too soon by this deadly disease.

We offer strength and support to their families and friends, who devotedly care for their loved ones through every step of their cancer journeys. And we recommit to finally ending cancer as we know it so that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential and lead healthy, long, fulfilling lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

Sarcoma UK:

“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Sarcoma can affect any person of any age. It’s also the third most common cancer in children in the UK. Whether you’re a parent seeking information about sarcoma for your child, or a teenager dealing with sarcoma yourself, we’re here to help.

We have information on the different types of sarcoma, treatment options and the paediatric team that will be looking after you or your child.

You can read more about subtypes and treatment of sarcoma in young people.”

Stay tuned by visiting oncodaily.com