Did you know... over 12,400 children (in the United States) are diagnosed with cancer each year? That's a classroom full of children every single day, year after year.
Did you know... approximately one in 330 young people will be diagnosed with cancer by age 20?
Did you know... since most of the symptoms of cancer can also be attributed to benign conditions, the diagnosis of cancer can be a long process? As a parent, you must trust your own instincts and work as a team with your doctor, using your knowledge of your child and your doctor's knowledge of medicine to protect your child's health.
Did you know... that about 4,000 children die from cancer each year? That's 11 children every single day, every single year.
Did you know... when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected? Treatment is often lengthy, and always time-consuming. Some diagnoses are treated outpatient for over three years; others require lengthy inpatient stays.
Did you know... siblings of children with cancer face an entire set of emotional challenges? From wondering if they are to blame for their sibling's diagnosis, to feelings of jealousy for all the attention and gifts the child with cancer is receiving, to feeling abandoned by their parents as the parents (necessarily and expectedly) focus their time and energy on the child in treatment.
Did you know... cancer is NOT contagious? Support (emotional, physical, maybe even financial) of the family IS contagious -- and very much needed from everyone -- from friends to neighbors to entire communities. When you know a child who is diagnosed with cancer, be the first one to offer support -- others will follow.
Did you know... although it is unlikely that your child will develop cancer, as a parent, you need to be aware of the symptoms of childhood cancer? Observe your child for any sudden, persistent changes in health or behavior as listed in these "Signs of Childhood Cancer":
C
ontinued, unexplained weight loss
H
eadaches, often with vomiting, at night or early morning
I
ncreased swelling or persistent pain in bones,
joints, back, or legs
L
ump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest,
pelvis, or armpits
D
evelopment of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash
C
onstant infections
A
whitish color behind the pupil
N
ausea which persists or vomiting without nausea
C
onstant tiredness or noticeable paleness
E
ye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist
R
ecurrent fevers of unknown origin
