September: A Call to Action

September, the first month we begin to see vivid greenery fade into autumn scenery. A month of transformation as new seasons and school years begin. A month that also raises awareness about a crucial issue affecting thousands of children and families worldwide. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to bringing attention to this devastating disease, promoting further research on it, and supporting those who are affected by it. Symbolized by the gold ribbon, this month reminds us of the young patients’ courage, the advancements that have already been made, and the resolution we all share to find a cure.

Early Signs and Differences

Cancer is a disease where cell growth is mutated and continues to grow without stop. This occurs when a gene mutation occurs that affects cell growth, specifically the chemical signals that tell cells when to stop multiplying. Childhood cancer can be very different from cancer in adults because whereas specific lifestyles or environmental factors can cause cancer in adults, childhood or pediatric cancers are caused by gene mutations that happen by chance. These mutations can be because of a mistake in cell division or mitosis, a virus, or inherited genetic mutations. They occur very early on in life, sometimes even before birth, making detection considerably more difficult. 

Some signs could be an unusual lump, easy bruising and bleeding, frequent headaches or vomiting, and sudden vision changes, weight loss, or loss of energy. Many of these symptoms are typically mistaken for those of normal illnesses or the harmless injuries that young children so frequently have. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Despite it being relatively rare, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among young children and adolescents. In the U.S. alone, over 290 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every week. On the larger worldwide scale, every year, around 400,000 kids in this range develop cancer, yet only around half are diagnosed. This is because about 90% of these children live in low or middle-income countries without adequate access to diagnosis and treatment and sadly, often die as a result. Some of the most common types of pediatric cancers include leukemia, brain cancers, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma.

After diagnosis, these young patients must undergo specific treatment for a long time. Some of the most popular methods include surgery to remove a part or all of the tumor, chemotherapy, which kills or stunts the growth of cancer cells through powerful medicines, radiation therapy to kill or shrink tumors, immunotherapy to fight the cancer using their immune system, and targeted therapy, which targets certain features of cancer cells with drugs. The child’s doctor must ascertain what type or combination of therapy is appropriate for the specific patient, which can vary based on many factors like the child’s age, the location of the tumor, and the type of cancer. 

Advancements and Hope

Despite many challenges and thanks to the efforts of organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and St. Jude’s Hospital, significant advancements in pediatric cancer research and treatment have been made. In fact, the American Association for Cancer Research reports that childhood cancer death rates have declined by almost 70% in the last 40 years, and the 5-year pediatric cancer survival rate in the US is over 80%. 

However, not all communities are as fortunate to have such high survival rates, and that’s why Childhood Cancer Awareness month is so important- raising awareness about this inequality, educating others, supporting and fundraising for research and treatment, and volunteering to help those afflicted are just some of the ways we can help. In this month that communities come together to “Go Gold,” we all play a part in making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. 

Works Cited

“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: September.” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/childhood-cancer-awareness-month.html. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024. 

Harris, Scott. “Shine a Light on Childhood Cancer during September.” Alabama Public Health, 3 Sept. 2024, www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/2024/09/sho-september.html.

“September Is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.” American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), 22 Aug. 2024, www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/.

“Understanding Cancer.” St. Jude Together, June 2023, together.stjude.org/en-us/about-pediatric-cancer/what-is-cancer.html.