Posted: | August 9, 2016 10:22 AM |
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From: | Representative Kerry A. Benninghoff |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - September 2016 |
In the very near future, I will be introducing a resolution designating September 2016 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This is an annual resolution and I thank you for your continued support. According to the American Cancer Society, childhood cancers make up less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed each year. About 10,380 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Childhood cancer rates have been slightly increasing for the past few decades. Because of major treatment advances in recent decades, more than 80% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more. Overall, this is a huge increase since the mid-1970s, when the 5-year survival rate was less than 60%. Still, survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer and other factors. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years old (after accidents). About 1,250 children are expected to die from cancer in 2016. This resolution will encourage Pennsylvanians to honor the young people, who have tragically lost their lives to cancer, and to thank the medical personnel for their care and commitment. I encourage all to join the fight against childhood cancer. Thank you for your consideration! |
Introduced as HR973