The Facts

Cancer places a heavy burden on the state of Oklahoma. Cancer affects one out of three Oklahomans during their lifetime and it is the second leading cause of death for Oklahomans. More than 18,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year in Oklahoma and over 7,500 lives are claimed by cancer. Other burdens include financial hardships such as high medical costs, lost wages, and the economic impact on employers. (Oklahoma Cancer Plan)

In the United States in 2016, approximately 10,400 children under age 15 were diagnosed with cancer and about 1,545 children will die from the disease. This makes cancer the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children 1 to 15 years of age. (National Cancer Institute)

Even with the amazing progress in recent years, childhood cancer is responsible for killing more children and teenagers every year than any other disease. One person out of every 285 will develop cancer before age 20. Each day, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. (Children’s Cancer Fund of America)