State Rep. Todd Hunter | Todd Hunter Office Facebook page
State Rep. Todd Hunter | Todd Hunter Office Facebook page
September 16, 2024
September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative aims to educate communities on the importance of early detection and intervention in combating childhood cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, while cancer death rates for children have declined, cancer remains the leading cause of death among children. The most common types of cancer among children aged 0 to 14 are leukemias, brain and central nervous system tumors, and lymphomas.
In 2024, it is estimated that approximately 9,620 children under the age of fifteen will be newly diagnosed with cancer, and 1,040 children will die from the disease. Although survival rates have improved over recent decades, they vary based on the type of cancer and other factors. The American Cancer Society notes that unlike adult cancers, lifestyle factors typically do not play a significant role in childhood cancers due to their rarity and the difficulty in identifying contributing factors.
To ensure access to advanced care for children with cancer in Texas, the Texas Legislature has allocated additional resources towards cancer research and prevention programs. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), established by the Texas Legislature in 2007, announced $60 million in new cancer research and prevention grants this year. These awards aim to expand access to clinical trials, foster innovative cancer research, support the state's emerging biotechnology industry, provide necessary cancer screenings for underserved Texans, and recruit outstanding cancer researchers to Texas.
During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, State Representative Todd Hunter encourages support for research and sharing information to spread awareness about childhood cancer. For more information about childhood cancer and this awareness month, visit the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society-Cancer in Children.
For questions regarding any information mentioned in this article or issues related to a Texas state agency or constituent services, contact Representative Hunter's Capitol Office at 512-463-0672 or District Office at 361-949-4603.
Representative Todd Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or 512-463-0672.
Alerts Sign-up