Raising awareness of childhood cancer in Idaho

Picture in your mind this image repeated thousands of times in Idaho over the last few weeks. An anxious mom or dad taking an equally anxious young child to the bus stop or all the way to school for the very first time. Tears are shed, hugs are held a little longer, and soon, their little one is off to face the unknown.

This year, about 100 Idaho families will take their young child to a doctor’s office or the hospital to also face a different unknown. Data suggests that about 100 Idaho children will be diagnosed with cancer this year – most likely leukemia or lymphoma. In 2023, 10 Idaho children did not survive their battle with cancer.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush established September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer, supporting families affected by the disease, and advocating for research and treatment advancements.

Since 1969, Idaho hospitals have collaborated with the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho to collect and curate information about cancer diagnosed among Idaho residents – including children. This is possible thanks to funding from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Idaho Legislature, and the Idaho Hospital Association.

Remarkable progress has been made in treating pediatric cancer over the last 50 years. Today, 9 in 10 Idaho children diagnosed with cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis and more than half of Idaho children with cancer are enrolled in a clinical trial through an Idaho hospital.

Still, rates of malignant melanoma in Idaho kids are among the highest in the country. 40% of Idaho children diagnosed with malignant melanoma are younger than 15 years old. Melanoma is one cancer that is largely preventable simply by using sun protection. The Society for Pediatric Dermatology recommends sun-protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher be used to protect kids from harmful UV rays.

The effects of pediatric cancer can last a lifetime. The Cancer Data Registry of Idaho’s most recent report states, “Studies show that adult survivors of childhood cancer are more likely to have adverse health outcomes later in life. They are at risk for higher health care expenditures and lost productivity, compared to adults without a history of childhood cancer. Education, intervention programs, and ongoing follow-up care are important for improving health and economic outcomes associated with cancer survivorship in this population.”

Idaho’s hospitals are committed to helping raise awareness about childhood cancer. Our goal, and the goal of the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho, is to support the research that benefits families in their individual battles with cancer and to hopefully, one day, help win the war against this disease.

Brian Whitlock is President and CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association. More information about pediatric cancer in Idaho can be found in the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho’s Pediatric Cancer Report at: https://idcancer.org/pdfs/pediatric-reports/IdahoPediatricCancer20132022_Final.pdf