September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
August 29, 2014
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every September there is a renewed commitment to curing childhood cancer.
Cancer is a word that no parent ever wants associated with their child, and is something that no child should ever have to endure. Sadly, thousands are diagnosed each year, and it remains the leading cause of death for children under the age of 15. According to the American Cancer Society, two of the leading types of pediatric cancers are Leukemia, which accounts for approximately 31% of all cancers in children, and Brain/Central Nervous System Tumors, which accounts for approximately 21% of all cancers in children. In total, these two types of cancers account for a little more than half of all cancers in children. However, researchers have made great strides in the fight against pediatric cancer, which offers hope that one day there will be a cure.
Below is a list of symptoms that can be caused by Leukemia and/or Brain/Central Nervous System Tumors:
- bone and joint pain
- fatigue
- weakness
- pale skin
- bleeding or bruising
- fever
- weight loss
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- blurred or double vision
- dizziness
- trouble walking or handling objects
You should always consult with your physician if you have any questions or concerns with your child’s health. It is also very important that your child has regular physical exams and all necessary immunizations. Under the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), preventive physical exams and immunizations are considered preventive care, and are therefore at a $0 cost to participants. However, the services must be provided by in-network providers. In the event you go to an out-of-network provider, you may be responsible for the co-pay, deductible, and co-insurance (if applicable). Any questions you have regarding whether an immunization is covered under preventive care can be answered by calling Empire BlueCross BlueShield at (800) 553-9603.
For additional information and resources on pediatric cancer, please click the links below:
http://www.curesearch.org/Types-of-Childrens-Cancer/
http://www.childrenscancer.org/
http://childrenscancerrecovery.org/
For information on preventive care as it pertains to your Empire BlueCross BlueShield coverage, please click the PDF links below:
