September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September 2024

While childhood cancer is rare, it is still the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In the United States, more than 290 children are diagnosed with cancer every week; worldwide, about 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer each year -- only half of whom are diagnosed. The overall childhood cancer survival rate has improved from 20% to more than 80% with nearly 500,000 childhood cancer survivors living in the U.S.

The Children’s Cancer Research Fund noted there are more than 12 major types and more than 100 subtypes of childhood cancer. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, but cancer patients often need a life-saving transplant -- such as a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Cancer can also damage organs beyond repair, thus resulting in the need for transplant. COTA assists patients under the age of 22 who need a life-saving transplant regardless of diagnosis.

September is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness to childhood cancer and raise funds for research to help find cures. Learn how you can get involved and help ensure no child dies from cancer at stjude.org, cancer.gov and childrenscancer.org.

About COTA:

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses. COTA’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a waiting list due to lack of funds. 100% of funds raised in honor of patients assist with a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.