Mission

The Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy (CCCA) is the leading national advocacy organization working to achieve access to less toxic and more effective therapies, expand resources for research and specialized care, and to address the unique needs and challenges of childhood cancer survivors and their families.  CCCA leads efforts to ensure that their needs and perspectives are integrated into the highest deliberations on health care and cancer policy.

Each year, nearly 13,000 children, age 14 years and under, are diagnosed with cancer.  While there are approximately 300,000 survivors in the United States today, cancer remains the leading disease killer of children.

The survival rates for some childhood cancers have improved significantly, but many survivors are unaware and unprepared to face the challenges likely to result from their disease and treatment.  Childhood cancer survivors continue to experience serious long-term and late effects on their health and wellness. 

New Therapies

New, targeted therapies for childhood cancers are needed to increase survival rates and reduce survivors’ late effects. Currently, there are limited financial incentives for companies to develop new therapies for children with cancer.  The process is biologically complex and takes many years to complete because of small patient populations. CCCA trains and represents families and survivors to work with academic researchers, government officials and pharmaceutical industry leaders to coordinate resources and work more efficiently.

Survivorship

Two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors suffer from at least one treatment or disease-related late effect. Cancer recurrence, secondary cancers, heart and lung damage, osteoporosis, lack of health insurance, financial pressures, psychosocial issues, employment and fertility problems are among the many challenges childhood cancer survivors face.  CCCA empowers survivors and families through educational conferences, materials, and tools to enable survivors to improve their quality of life.