Sep. 19, 2016
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff’s (R-Centre/Mifflin) House resolution designating September 2016 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month passed the House of Representatives today with unanimous, bipartisan support.
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House Resolution 973 is intended to bring awareness to childhood cancer and to honor each of the precious little ones who have tragically lost their lives to childhood cancer, as well as those who continue to wage their battle,” Benninghoff said. “As we go about our everyday lives, it is my hope that we remember to pray for the young people who are enduring the fight of their lives, and to thank our dedicated medical professionals for their care and commitment to serving others.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 10,380 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years old.
Although childhood cancer rates have been slightly increasing for the past few decades, because of major treatment advances, more than 80 percent of children diagnosed with cancer now survive five years or more. By comparison, in the mid-1970s, the five-year survival rate was less than 60 percent.
“Though significant progress has been made, much more is needed in our search for a cure. The battle against childhood cancer is far from over, and awareness is a vital weapon in that battle.”
Representative Kerry Benninghoff
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman
171st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
717.260.6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
KerryBenninghoff.com /
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