The cause of childhood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, bone cancer and brain tumors are not known. Some people speculate a child's exposure to second-hand smoke, pollutants, x-rays or microwave radiation may contribute to the cause of childhood cancers. Studies have shown that some children are exposed to high levels of pesticides in schools and day-care environments - chemicals that are toxic to a child’s developing nervous system. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for one third of all cancer cases. In 2019, there were at least 11,000 children under the age of 15 diagnosed with cancer. Statistically, more than 1,500 of these children are likely to succumb to this disease.

Fortunately, since 1970, the death rate from all childhood cancers has declined by over 60%. The 5-year cancer survival rate for children is now nearly 90%. However, most of these survivors will continue to battle long-term complications from this disease - as well as the treatments they endured to rid themselves of it. There are at least 420,000 survivors of childhood cancer today. However, cancer still claims the lives of nearly 1,200 American children each year. It is estimated that the annual amount of funding exclusively earmarked for child cancer research is as small as $30 million.

Pending Legislation: S.1357 - PACT Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Joni Ernst (IA)
Status: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Chair: Sen. Patty Murray (WA)