Nebraska Coalition to end Childhood Cancer exists to raise awareness about Childhood Cancer. Annually, 70-90 children are diagnosed with cancer at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine combined. Pediatric cancer kills more children in Nebraska than any other disease. It ranks second only to accidents as the leading cause of death for children in Nebraska. Nationally, Nebraska has the 7th highest incidence rate per capita and the highest in the Midwest region. This is a major health issue in Nebraska and shockingly few are aware of its magnitude. Through the help of the Nebraska Unicameral and some motivated volunteers in partnership with passionate medical professionals, we have begun to move the needle in favor of Nebraska’s children.
Awareness
NEBRASKA CRISIS
Pediatric Cancer Diagnoses in Nebraska
(Ages <20, All Sites), 1990-2013
Source:
Cancer Epidemiology
Pediatric Brain Cancer Diagnoses in Nebraska
(Ages <20), 1990-2013
Source:
Cancer Epidemiology
Number of New Diagnoses Each Year In Nebraska
70-90
Top Three Most Prevalent Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis In Nebraska
Brain/CNS
Leukemia
Lymphoma
29%
of families living in rural areas reported moving residences as their child was diagnosed with cancer.
The average cost for rural families to visit a cancer treatment center is $138 per visit
(moving closer to the treatment center)
Number of New Diagnosis Each Year In Nebraska
70-80
Top Three Most Prevalent Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis In Nebraska
Brain/CNS
Leukemia
Lymphoma
29%
of rural patients in Nebraska reported moving residences as their child was diagnosed with cancer
The average cost for rural families to visit a cancer treatment center is $138 per visit
(moving closer to the treatment center)
WHAT RESEARCH IS BEING DONE IN OUR STATE?
Is there research being completed in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and UNMC are collaborating to fight childhood cancer in Nebraska. The research arm is led by Dr. Don Coulter, M.D.
Annual Budget to Fight Childhood Cancer: $4,027,102
- Budget Includes: Research Studies-Recruitment of Researchers-Travel
2018 Nebraska Senate Report
Pediatric Cancer Research Group Supported by the Nebraska Legislature (LB 417) in collaboration with The Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center & Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
| MOU for rural health data analysis | $27,391 |
| RNAi Therapy of Neuroblastoma | $50,000 |
| Tumor Suppressor Genes in Medulloblastoma | $144,000 |
| SOX2 and Medulloblastoma | $50,000 |
| Novel Mechanisms of Ewing Sarcoma | $200,000 |
| GDC-0449 Analogs in Medulloblastoma | $50,000 |
| PL-71 in Neuroblastoma | $62,330 |
| Development of CCL21 | $100,000 |
| Cationic peptides in Neuroblastoma | $62,330 |
| Regulation of Ewing’s Sarcoma | $50,000 |
| NET-targeted RNAi Therapy | $50,000 |
| Sox 2 in Medulloblastoma | $100,000 |
| Inhibition of pulmonary metastasis | $60,392 |
| Role of ubiquitin in AML | $50,000 |
| RUNX1 targeting in AML | $50,000 |
| CAR-T with CCL – 21 in solid tumors | $250,000 |
| BCHE deletion in Neuroblastoma | $49,590 |
| Targeting exosomic microRNAs | $100,000 |
Current Funded Studies Subtotal |
$1,506,033 |
Future Studies
| PDX Program | $200,000 |
| Medulloblastoma Program Grant | $375,000 |
| TBD | $500,000 |
Future Studies Subtotal |
$1,075,000 |
Why does Nebraska have such high rates of Childhood Cancer?
Currently there are two active projects being researched as to why Childhood Cancer continues to occur at a high rate in Nebraska.
Statewide Budget for learning why: $150,000.00 (8% of total Childhood Cancer Budget)
Epidemiology of Pediatric Cancer in Nebraska
- This collaborative effort between the University of Nebraska Medical Center, The University of Nebraska College of Public Health, The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Omaha seeks to understand why the State of Nebraska has the third highest incidence of pediatric cancer in the United States. By evaluating 23 years of cancer registry data provided by the DHHS, our team is mapping the locations of each cancer diagnosis and attempting to identify areas of the state with increased incidence.
Impact of watersheds on the incidence of pediatric cancer in Nebraska
- The University of Nebraska College of Public Health and the Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology are evaluating the incidence of pediatric cancer and birth defects in the areas surrounding the multiple watersheds that exist within the State. Evaluations include the type of tumors or birth defects and their incidence compared to populations that do not live around watersheds.
STATE LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
Read the full story from Mitch with PCAN
NATIONAL INFORMATION
children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with pediatric cancer annually in the US
Source: Curesearch.org
Only 4% of US funding is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research
Source: St. Baldricks Foundation
In 80% of kids, cancer has already spread to other areas of the body by the time it is diagnosed.
Source: St. Baldricks Foundation
cause of death by disease in children is cancer
Source: Curesearch.org
In the last 20 years only 4
cancer treatments have been specifically developed and approved for children
Source: Curesearch.org
children are diagnosed with children’s cancer every year
Source:
The average age of children diagnosed is six.
Source: Curesearch.org
Only 4% of US funding is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research
Source: St. baldricks Foundation
In 80% of kids, cancer has already spread to other areas of the body by the time it is diagnosed.
Source: St. Baldricks Foundation
cause of death by disease in children is cancer
Source: Curesearch.org
In the last 20 years only 4
cancer treatments have been specifically developed and approved for children
Source: Curesearch.org
We have compiled a list of foundations located right here in Nebraska that support children battling cancer and their families in a number of ways. Learn how you can donate and support the fight against childhood cancer!
