Going Beyond the Ribbon: 10 Truths to Know This Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month
Pediatric cancer is the #1 disease killer of children in the United States. Yet only 4% of federal cancer research funding is allocated to pediatric cancers. That means most treatments for kids are decades old, designed for adult bodies, and leave survivors with life-altering side effects.
We’re so grateful you’re stepping up, because like you, we believe every child deserves a future.
That’s why we’ve created this free, easy-to-read guide, a quick but powerful read to help you understand the problem, and how you can be part of the solution.
10 Truths to Know About Pediatric Cancer
1. Cancer is the leading disease-related killer of children
More U.S. children die from cancer than any other disease.
2. Roughly 17,000 children are diagnosed annually in the U.S.
About 46 U.S. families hear the words “Your child has cancer” each day, approximately 17,000 annual diagnoses.
3. Incidence is rising in certain cancers
Since 2003, overall pediatric cancer rates climbed about 0.5% per year. Leukemia, lymphoma, liver, bone, and thyroid cancers show the most notable increases.
4. Overall survival has dramatically improved…
The 5-year survival rate has climbed from ~58% in the 1970s to about 85% today in high-income countries. This is the result of investment in innovative, accessible research.
5. …but survival varies significantly by cancer type
Leukemia (ALL) now sees 5‑year survival rates over 90%, but AML rates hover closer to 66%. Brain tumors and sarcomas tend to have lower survival. For instance, high-grade gliomas like DIPG have a 5‑year survival rate under 10%.
6. Cancer can affect children at any age
Cancers that affect children from birth to age 14 are called childhood or pediatric cancers. Cancers that impact children ages 15 through 19 are called adolescent cancers.
7. Long-term side effects are common
An estimated 60% of survivors experience late-effects including heart issues, fertility challenges, learning difficulties, and secondary cancers.
8. Follow-up care is vital
About 500,000 people in the U.S. are pediatric cancer survivors. Many need lifelong health monitoring. Survivorship programs offer personalized care plans.
9. Federal funding and research gaps are only getting bigger
US Federal funding for pediatric cancer research has been disproportionately low. Historically around 4% of total federal cancer research budgets.
However, the president’s 2026 federal budget proposal indicated a 37.3% cut to the National Cancer Institute’s budget, deepening the gap in funding innovative research.
10. Holistic care improves outcomes
Only six drugs have been specifically developed for children with cancer. Psychological support for patients and siblings significantly improves quality of life.
Two Ways YOU can Change the Reality of Pediatric Cancer
Fund Research That Saves Lives
Support organizations that invest in innovative treatments—especially for underfunded, high-risk cancers like DIPG and AML. Research drives survival. You can make a gift to Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation by clicking Give Now.
Advocate for Kids at the Federal Level
Push lawmakers to increase pediatric cancer funding beyond the current 4%. Kids deserve better than budget cuts. Find your congressional member here:
Don’t know what to say? Here’s sample text you can use for an email to your congressional member
Subject: Urgent: Oppose Cuts to the National Cancer Institute – Protect Pediatric Cancer Research
Dear [Senator/Representative Last Name],
I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed 37% cut to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the 2026 federal budget. This level of funding reduction would be devastating—not only to the overall progress in cancer research, but especially to pediatric cancer research, which already receives a disproportionately small share of federal funding.
Cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death for children in the United States. Yet pediatric cancer research receives only a fraction of NCI’s annual budget. Further cuts would slow or stop lifesaving research, limit access to clinical trials, and delay the development of better, less toxic treatments for kids fighting cancer today and in the future.
We cannot afford to turn our backs on the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities. As your constituent, I urge you to publicly oppose this harmful budget proposal and fight to restore—and increase—federal funding for the National Cancer Institute, with a strong commitment to pediatric cancer research.
Children with cancer deserve better. I hope you will be their champion in Congress.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address or Zip Code]
[Your Email Address, optional]
Sources:
1. CAC2+3CURE Childhood Cancer+3CAC2+3
2. childrenscancerfoundation.org
4. World Health Organization+14Cancer.org+14NFCR+14
5. Wikipedia+1childrenscancerfoundation.org+1, National Cancer InstituteWikipediaarXiv
6. cancer.org/cancer/childhood-cancer
7. Kids Cancer Foundation+1The Washington Post+1
