Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 12,060 children under the age of 15 diagnosed with cancer in 2012, and there will be an estimated 1,340 deaths from childhood cancer in this same year; and

WHEREAS, despite its rarity and major advances in treatment and supportive care, cancer is still the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 15; and

WHEREAS, the types of cancers that occur most often in children differ from those seen in adults; the most common types being Leukemia, brain and other nervous system tumors, Neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, Lymphoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Retinoblastoma and bone cancer; and

WHEREAS, childhood cancers are often the result of DNA changes in cells that take place very early in life, sometimes even before birth; and unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors; and

WHEREAS, because of major advances in treatment, more children treated for cancer are now surviving to adulthood; though doctors have learned that treatment may affect a child’s health later in life; and

WHEREAS, late effects of cancer treatment can include heart or lung problems, due to certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy; slowed or decreased growth and development; changes in sexual development and ability to have children; changes in intellectual function and development of second cancers later in life; and

WHEREAS, too many families and communities have been touched by childhood cancer and its consequences, and only by increasing awareness will it be possible to control and ultimately defeat this disease; and

WHEREAS, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month offers all Alabamians the opportunity to remember the young lives taken too soon, honor the survivors and celebrate progress made in treatment and recovery:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2012, as

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

in the state of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 19th day of September 2012.

 

Robert Bentley, Governor