Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in children and adolescents in Canada. Approximately 10,000 children are living with cancer in this country and 1,500 more are diagnosed every year.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – a time to reflect on how we can better understand and address the needs of children affected by cancer, as well as their families and caregivers.
While September typically heralds the excitement of back-to-school shopping, reuniting with friends, and gearing up for a new academic year, the reality is starkly different for families grappling with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
In BC alone, 155 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, with over 100 of them forced to swap classrooms for chemotherapy treatments. Though BC Children’s Hospital boasts the highest survival rate for childhood cancers in Canada, the devastating truth remains: 1 in 5 children tragically lose their battle.
In the fight against childhood cancer, early detection and treatment are vital for improving survival rates. Parents, caregivers, extended family members, and healthcare professionals all play a crucial part in recognizing the signs and symptoms early on.
