The incidence of childhood cancers jumped almost 27% between 1975 and 2002. Even though survival rates have increased, preventing cancer genesis in children is the optimal goal. Post-diagnosis treatments can wreak havoc on a child’s developing body, causing complications from heart problems and liver failure to infertility. (Read more.) In fact, survivors of childhood cancer have a mortality rate more than 10 times higher than the general population’s due to the long term effects of treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates that 75% of cancer is due to environmental factors (including tobacco use, diet, infectious disease, chemicals and radiation).

Learn more about cancer using the following resources:

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• National Library of Medicine
• American Cancer Society
• CureSearch
• National Cancer Institute

Learn about potential environmental links and ways to reduce your child’s risk here.