December is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, when major cancer charities join together to raise awareness of the horror that is childhood cancer.
Fewer children suffer cancer than do adults, but that is little comfort to the families of those 1,700 children who do suffer from the disease every year in the UK.
The cancer charities are seeking to raise awareness of the sort of symptoms to look out for, to maximise the possibility of early diagnosis. They’re also seeking to raise funds to carry on vital research and caring work to support sufferers and hopefully reduce the incidence of childhood cancer.
One of the charities, CLIC Sargent, says that parents and families of children who have cancer have enough to worry about without struggling financially, yet some two-thirds of them have to take out loans to cover their living expenses whilst their little one is going through treatment. Parents understandably want to spend as much time as possible with their child, which can mean that they lose their jobs, making life even harder. The chief executive of the charity says, “Everyone is suffering in this economic climate, but parents of children with cancer are amongst the hardest hit. The extra costs can be significant. We’re dependent on the generous support of the public and other donors to fund our vital work to support young cancer patients.”
Some childhood cancers can have very mild symptoms and are often mistaken for viruses: fever, headaches, aches and pains, vomiting and night sweats. If these symptoms carry on for longer than normal, or if the symptoms are getting worse, you should see your GP.
Nearly eight out of ten children with cancer will survive the condition for at least five years and most will be completely cured. But treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, can last for months and take its toll on family life and family finances.
To help to support these families, consider buying charity Christmas cards etc that support children’s cancer charities this month.