Capito & Reed Introduce Bipartisan Childhood Cancer STAR Act
Press Release
In an effort to help thousands of children who undergo cancer treatment each year, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) today introduced the Childhood Cancer STAR Act. This bipartisan legislation will advance pediatric cancer research and child-focused cancer treatments, while also improving childhood cancer surveillance and providing resources for survivors and those impacted by childhood cancer.
"This bipartisan legislation will continue the advances in research, prevention and care for our loved ones and families impacted by childhood cancer," said Senator Capito. "The Childhood Cancer STAR Act gives parents and patients access to the information they need to make vital decisions about treatment and care post-treatment. This legislation will also give those who understand the unique needs of childhood cancer patients a seat at the table when decisions about cancer care are taking place."
"Too many young people's lives have been cut short by cancer. These kids and their families who've battled this disease inspire us to take action. The Childhood Cancer STAR Act will help young cancer patients and their families get access to potentially life-saving treatments, support survivors, and move us another step closer toward our goal of ending pediatric cancer," said Senator Reed.
Childhood cancer research has progressed in recent years, but cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States, according to NIH's National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI estimates that nationwide, 15,780 children and adolescents up to 19 years of age were diagnosed with cancer within the last year and 1,960 will die of the disease.
The Childhood Cancer STAR Act builds on Senator Reed's Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, which was signed into law in 2008 to help increase support for pediatric cancer research and ensure that more children have access to lifesaving cancer treatment.
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