Childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death for children in the United States, but Oklahoma doctors say treatment progress is offering hope. With September marking Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, physicians are urging families to learn the warning signs and support ongoing research.

The scope of the problem

Each year, between 12,000 and 16,000 children nationwide are diagnosed with cancer. At OU Health in Oklahoma City, doctors treat between 100 and 120 new pediatric cases annually, numbers that reflect national trends.

The most common cancers in children are leukemias, brain tumors and lymphomas, according to OU Health specialists.

Survival rates improving

Thanks to modern chemotherapy and research, the cure rate for childhood cancer has climbed to about 80 perce

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