December is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Can you help?

Added 02/12/2013

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month takes place every December in the UK, with a number of cancer charities doing their bit to help to both raise awareness of the challenges faced by young people diagnosed with cancer, and to raise additional funds to support the great work that they do.

Cancer in children is far more rare than amongst adults, with around 1,600 under 15s diagnosed every year. Over the years, treatments for all types of cancer have improved significantly, with 8 in 10 children diagnosed with cancer living for at least 5 years, and most being completely cured. While the diagnosis figures may seem low, it is important to remember that cancer is the most common cause of death from illness in those who are aged between 1 and 15.

The most common type of childhood cancer is acute leukaemia, which affects 1 in 3 of those diagnosed, followed by various cancers of the spinal cord and brain which affect 1 in 4 of those diagnosed with cancer. Other forms of cancer - including lymphoma, muscle and bone cancers, retinoblastoma and neuroblastoma - also affect children, but are less prevalent.

It can be very hard to detect cancer in children, but early diagnosis can lead to a better prognosis. Different types of cancer have different signs, which can include weight loss, headaches, swelling or pain, bruising or rashes, nausea, vomiting and fever. Any symptoms should be checked out by a GP.

You can get involved with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in a variety of ways: Consider hosting a fundraising event for a cancer charity, sharing stories on social media or even simply talk to people to raise awareness of childhood cancer - all of these will help to contribute to the cause and aid the work that these great cancer charities do.

Charities that support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month include CLIC Sargent, who are organising Big Bucket Collections throughout the UK, and selling pin badges to support the cause at Santander, Lidl and J D Wetherspoon pubs. They will also be organising charity concerts around the UK - visit http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/content/childhood-cancer-awareness-month for more information.

KidsCan are also asking members of the public to help to raise money in a variety of ways, with more information at http://www.kidscan.org.uk/cms/news/article/?id=218. Be Child Cancer Aware are selling gold ribbons and sending signs and symptoms cards to schools, in addition to asking members of the community to donate in other ways: see https://www.facebook.com/events/326272947479876/ for more.

It really is easy to get involved, with even the smallest donation making a big difference this December.

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