Pediatric cancer survivorship awareness highlighted by new survey

As September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a survey commissioned by Hyundai Hope on Wheels highlights public misconceptions regarding pediatric cancer survivorship. The study found that 46% of U.S. adults believe a child ringing a hospital bell after treatment signifies they are cancer-free and their medical journey is complete.

In reality, medical organizations often define survivorship as beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing through and beyond treatment. Survivors often face long-term physical, emotional, and medical needs. Additionally, more than one-third of U.S. adults reported being unfamiliar with the term 'cancer survivorship' or not fully understanding its meaning.

Advancements in treatment have contributed to these milestones; the American Association for Cancer Research notes that the FDA has approved 10 new immunotherapies and 20 molecularly targeted therapies for pediatric cancers over the last decade.