Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy

Mission Statement

The Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy (CCCA) is the leading national advocacy organization working to achieve access to less toxic and more effective pediatric cancer therapies; to 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 these needs and perspectives of children with cancer are integrated into the highest deliberations on health care and cancer policy at the Federal level.

New, targeted therapies for childhood cancers are needed to increase survival rates for cancers that continue to kill children and reduce survivors’ late effects. Developing new therapies for children is not profitable for companies. It 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 toward the development of safer, more effective treatments.

Two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors suffer from at least one treatment or disease-related late effect. Second cancers, heart and lung damage, osteoporosis, lack of health insurance, financial pressures, school re-integration, 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 become effective advocates and improve their quality of life.