A cancer diagnosis changes lives, especially when it involves a child. That’s why September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during which oncologists, educators, and families affected by this disease come together to spread the word about helping children with cancer. There are a few types of cancers that affect children, and you can help support these children and their families.

Types of Cancers Impacting Kids

According to the American Cancer Society, certain types of cancer are more prevalent in kids. For instance, leukemia, a cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, makes up approximately 30% of all childhood cancers. Lymphomas are also common in children, which are broken into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types. Certain types of cancer can even begin developing in the embryo, such as neuroblastomas. Some types of cancers primarily affect the bones, including Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, which typically impacts teenagers.

The Goal of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

According to the Children’s Research Cancer Fund, 43 children receive a cancer diagnosis every day. The key to helping these kids lies in research. Oncologists and other doctors are constantly researching ways to treat cancer as well as probing for a method to cure this disease altogether. Even if you’re not one of the families affected, you can still help out in a variety of ways.

Even the smallest donation will go a long way, as conducting research can be quite expensive. You can also lend your time as a volunteer, whether that involves assisting local families in need or helping out by sending mailings and other information. Fundraisers are another great way to support families. You can even get your children involved in the process, either through something as simple as a lemonade stand or by contacting their school to inquire about fundraising ideas. Every effort is appreciated, as it brings the world one step closer to finding a cure for childhood cancer.  

Tennessee Plateau Oncology- Dirk Davidson, MD understands that receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis can be one of the most challenging experiences a family can face. That’s why this skilled and compassionate oncologist strives to support families in Crossville, TN, whether that entails providing treatments for child and adult cancers or through educating the public on the importance of thorough research. They look at each patient as an individual and tailor a treatment regimen to suit their specific needs, no matter the age or type of cancer. If you’d like to schedule a consultation for you or a loved one, please call (931) 484-7596 today.