PRINTER'S NO. 392
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.45
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, ROBINSON, BROOKS, TARTAGLIONE, PHILLIPS-
HILL, FONTANA, KANE, COMITTA, CULVER, SANTARSIERO, SCHWANK,
LAUGHLIN, COSTA, HAYWOOD, DUSH, STEFANO, VOGEL, J. WARD,
HUTCHINSON, STREET AND PENNYCUICK, MARCH 17, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MARCH 17, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 15, 2025, as "International Childhood
Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, "International Childhood Cancer Day" increases
awareness of children fighting pediatric cancer across the
globe; and
WHEREAS, "International Childhood Cancer Day" honors those
children who lost their battle with cancer; and
WHEREAS, Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death
among children worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 285 children in
the United States diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20;
and
WHEREAS, According to the American Childhood Cancer
Organization, a child dies from pediatric cancer every two hours
in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The rate of children diagnosed with cancer has
increased since the 1970s, with significant advances in
diagnosis and treatment helping to extend survival rates; and
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17 WHEREAS, The most recent data from the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC) indicates that in 2020,
approximately 300,000 children and adolescents globally were
diagnosed with cancer, an increase from previous years; and
WHEREAS, In 2020, the IARC reported approximately 116,000
pediatric cancer fatalities worldwide, with the highest
mortality rates in low-income and middle-income countries due to
limited access to proper health care and treatment; and
WHEREAS, Pediatric cancer statistics are often underreported
in many regions of the world due to the lack of national cancer
registries, especially in resource-poor countries, meaning the
true number of pediatric cancer cases may be even higher; and
WHEREAS, Children in impoverished nations face significant
barriers in accessing lifesaving medicines, treatments and
clinical trials that could improve their chances of survival;
and
WHEREAS, The five-year survival rate for children diagnosed
with cancer in high-income countries has increased to around 85%
overall, but this varies depending on the cancer type, stage at
diagnosis and available treatment options; and
WHEREAS, Despite improvements in treatment outcomes, the
survival rate for certain types of pediatric cancers, such as
brain tumors, leukemia and neuroblastoma, remain lower,
requiring continued research into more effective therapies; and
WHEREAS, Due to a child's growing body and the fact that many
cancer treatments are tailored for adults, children undergoing
cancer treatment often experience significant long-term side
effects, including issues with growth and development, fertility
and secondary cancers later in life; and
WHEREAS, Possible late effects of cancer treatments include
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30 cardiovascular problems, endocrine dysfunction, neurological
impairments, learning disabilities and an increased risk for
developing new cancers due to the aggressive nature of certain
treatments; and
WHEREAS, According to the American Childhood Cancer
Organization, children with cancer are more likely to
participate in clinical trials than adults, often due to the
need for more specialized therapies and innovations in pediatric
oncology; and
WHEREAS, Despite advances in treatment and better survival
outcomes, pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by
disease among children in the United States and much work
remains to reduce mortality and improve quality of life for
survivors; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate r ecognize February 15, 2025, as
"International Childhood Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate celebrate the progress made by
medical professionals, researchers and organizations dedicated
to fighting childhood cancer while renewing its commitment to
advancing research, improving treatments and expanding access to
lifesaving care for all children; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate express solidarity with young
Pennsylvanians battling cancer, honor the memory of those young
people who have lost their lives to childhood cancer and express
deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, parents and caregivers
who provide critical support and care to those affected by
childhood cancer; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage all residents of this
Commonwealth to join the effort to raise awareness, support the
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30 families of children with cancer, advocate for increased funding
for pediatric cancer research and contribute to a future where
no child has to face cancer alone.
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