Childhood Cancer STAR Act Approved by Senate and House
On May 22, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Treatment Access and Research (STAR) Act was passed by the Senate and House and is now being sent to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. As the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever introduced to Congress, the Childhood Cancer STAR Act will advance pediatric cancer research and address the ongoing needs of survivors.
“The passage of the STAR Act is a true victory for the childhood cancer community and a testament to bipartisanship and collaboration,” said Katherine Lugar, St. Baldrick's Foundation board member and childhood cancer advocate. "Working together with our Hill Champions, we have a tremendous opportunity to advance childhood cancer research and help children with cancer both survive and thrive…we are committed to working with leaders on the Hill and in the Administration to ensure the STAR Act is fully funded."
Funding from the Childhood Cancer STAR Act will:
- Enhance the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors
- Move childhood cancer research forward
- Improve childhood cancer surveillance
Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for kids in the US. Furthermore, as many as two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors will suffer late effects of their disease or treatment, including secondary cancers and organ damage.
“One child lost to cancer, is one too many, and survival isn't enough. We need safer and less toxic treatments so that when children survive cancer, their unique talents and abilities are preserved and the rest of their lives are long and healthy,” said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of the St. Baldrick's Foundation. “It has taken 3 years to move the STAR Act through Congress, and we couldn't be more proud of the role St. Baldrick's supporters have played in advocating for this legislation. We are so grateful for the many members of Congress, coalition members, organizations, parents, friends, and volunteers who joined together to make this possible. With their continued backing, we can push the STAR Act over the finish line in the appropriations process.”
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.
