Canadian Cancer Society top charitable funder in pediatric cancer research:<br>More investments needed for late effects of cancer treatment in children

VANCOUVER, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - A new report released today by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance reveals that the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is the largest funder of childhood and adolescent cancer research in the charitable sector, contributing 23 per cent of total funding. The B.C. and Yukon division of the CCS contributes more than 40 per cent of that funding through donations from Cops for Cancer.

While CEO of the CCS B.C. and Yukon (CCSBCY) welcomes the report and the CCSBCY's contribution, she stresses the need for further funding to address the impact cancer treatments have on childhood survivors later in life.

"While I am proud of the CCSBCY's contribution, further investments in research to deliver safer long-lasting treatments needs to be made," says Barbara Kaminsky, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society British Columbia and Yukon. "More children are surviving cancer, however we need more than survivors we need thrivors."

According to Canadian Cancer Society Statistics, 82 per cent of children under the age of 14 will survive at least five years after diagnosis but two thirds of children have at least one chronic or late-occurring effect from cancer therapy. At least one third have a major, serious, life-threatening complication.

Pioneering research on childhood cancer treatment late effects is being led by a team of B.C. based cancer researchers.

In 2008 the Canadian Cancer Society awarded Senior Scientist Mary McBride more than $2.9 million to continue her research on late effects at the BC Cancer Agency. McBride documents the considerable physical, social and emotional affects of cancer on children, teens and young adults. In 2009 Dr Stewart Peacock, also at the BC Cancer Agency was given a grant of $150,000 to look at differences in income and employment in younger cancer survivors and the general population.

"We have come a long way in improving cancer outcomes in children but our ultimate success will be in preventing cancer before it even starts in young people," says Kaminsky. "That is our vision and with continued public and donor support we believe this is within our reach."

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

For further information: or to speak to Barbara Kaminsky please contact: Catherine Loiacono, Manager, Media Relations, Canadian Cancer Society, B.C. and Yukon Division, Phone: [phone], cell: [phone]