September Was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States alone. Some childhood cancers are congenital, meaning they are caused by genetic or chromosomal damage. But some can be caused by environmental hazards, including maternal exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Treatment for childhood cancer is usually effective, but it is costly and emotionally exhausting for patients and their parents. Whatever the cause, families experiencing the trauma of childhood cancer need support from their communities. September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the goal of this campaign is to advocate for funding and highlight the need for early detection and treatment. Keep reading to learn more about this rare and complex disease and what you can do to help.

Causes of Childhood Cancer

Although adult cancers are usually related to a lifetime of exposure to toxins, poor eating habits, and smoking, children’s cancers are different. Children’s cancers are primarily congenital, meaning they are due to genetic or chromosomal damage early in life.  But some can be caused by environmental hazards, including maternal exposure to dangerous chemicals. Often, these changes occur before birth, making prevention nearly impossible. While most childhood cancers, like leukemia and brain tumors, may have other causes, your pediatrician can advise you about the best way to proceed if your child is ill.

However, there are some known risks that could increase the chance of these mutations. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should try to limit their exposure to certain environmental toxins and other factors that could cause random mutations in their developing fetus. These factors can include:

• High Doses of Radiation: Exposure to radiation during pregnancy and immediately after birth could increase your child’s risk of cancer. Radiation does not just mean x-rays. Radon gas can be found in basements and cosmic radiation is present when flying.
• Secondhand Smoke: Infants are very sensitive to atmospheric toxins, including carcinogens in cigarettes such as benzene, toluene, and cyanide.
• Forever Chemicals: Some plastic toys and other infant items have been implicated in certain cancers because they are made with forever chemicals like PFAS.
• Volatile Organic Compounds: Exposure to high levels of VOCs from hot spots like industrial combustion sites and benzene and dioxins from vehicle emissions have also been linked to childhood cancer.

What We All Can Do to Promote Childhood Cancer Awareness

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month helps raise public knowledge about childhood cancers every September. This annual campaign raises funds for research and treatment, while providing support for families affected by this most devastating of childhood diseases.

The American Cancer Society and other children’s organizations need your help now more than ever to fight this disease. Participate in or host an event, such as a run or bake sale, directly donate to a reputable organization, or assist affected families by cooking a meal or lending a sympathetic ear.

Contact An Attorney That Supports the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

The attorneys at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, support the fight against childhood cancer in all its forms. Families whose children have developed this disease after toxic exposure need legal assistance to get justice and compensation for their children’s illnesses and not just during the month of September.

For compassionate legal advice, contact us today for a free consultation. We are the largest female-founded law firm in the country and we are here for you and your family.