In this issue: Reflecting on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Welcome to our timely updates on all things SDS, Science, and Advocacy. We bring you a digest of recent scientific publications, conferences, and other newsworthy content - all relevant to SDS - with links to more details and learning opportunities. Are you interested in anything specific? Did we miss something? Let us know. Email genetics@SDSAlliance.org or message us on Facebook! This is all for you!
Honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: A Message to the SDS Community
As September comes to a close, we at the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Alliance want to take a moment to acknowledge Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This month serves as a crucial time to honor the children and families affected by pediatric cancer, including those in our own Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) community. It’s a time to remember that behind every statistic, there is a child, a family, and a network of supporters facing unimaginable challenges. Together, we raise awareness, advocate for research funding, and educate others about the importance of early detection.
SDS brings with it unique risks, including a higher likelihood of developing certain cancers, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as well as possibly solid tumors. These cancers can develop at younger ages in people with SDS compared to the general population, making vigilance and proactive healthcare essential. This is why individuals with SDS follow special healthcare guidelines, including regular bone marrow surveillance and other screenings, to detect cancer early and take swift action when needed. By following these guidelines, we can help protect our children and provide the best possible care.
Our team at SDS Alliance also wants to take this time to express our gratitude to the medical providers, researchers, and caregivers dedicated to supporting our SDS community. The ongoing research into SDS and its relationship to childhood cancer is vital in our fight to improve treatments and work towards prevention. Awareness months like this one play an important role in highlighting the need for continued research funding and support for families navigating these complex health challenges.
While September may be coming to an end, the commitment of SDS Alliance to advocating for those with SDS and cancer risk does not stop. Let’s continue to support each other, raise our voices, and spread awareness about the impact of childhood cancer on our community. Every effort brings us one step closer to better outcomes, and with the strength of the SDS community, we can keep pushing forward for a brighter future.
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