Written by Schoenberg Staff Thursday, 31 March 2011 11:55
"Childhood cancer survival has improved because of medical advances and because of the commitment of health care professionals and the patients and their families," Schoenberg said. "Increasing awareness of childhood cancers helps early detection, treatment and survival, and emphasizes the importance of providing access to affordable, quality health care in Illinois." According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of children diagnosed with all forms of invasive cancer increased dramatically from 11.5 cases (per 100,000 children) in 1975 to 14.8 cases in 2004. In this same period, however, death rates went down considerably and 5-year survival rates for most childhood cancers increased. The 5-year survival rates for all childhood cancers combined increased from 58.1 percent in 1975 to 79.6 percent in 2003. This improvement in survival rates is due to significant advances in treatment, resulting in a cure or long-term remission for a significant percentage of children with cancer. "The major improvements we have seen in survival rates and long-term remission point out our need to ensure research and funding continues for new treatment strategies to expand," Schoenberg said. "On behalf of the pediatric cancer survivors I met with this week, as well as those throughout Illinois and their families, it’s my hope this awareness week will bring positive attention that can lead to even better results." Senator Schoenberg met with representatives from Children’s Oncology Services of Chicago and a group of survivors and their families at the Capitol on Monday to hear their survival stories.
SPRINGFIELD, IL –Assistant Senate Majority Leader Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) passed a resolution in the Senate today recognizing the week of March 27 – April 2, 2011 as Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Week in the State of Illinois. Senator Schoenberg presented Senate Resolution 120 to acknowledge great progress being achieved in treating pediatric cancer and increasing survivor rates.
Senator Schoenberg Menu
9th District
Assistant Majority Leader
Years served: 1990 - 2002 (House); 2003 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Financial Institutions; Appropriations I (Vice-Chairperson); Appropriations II (Vice-Chairperson); Public Health; Revenue; Revenue Subcommittee on Prop. Taxes; Subcommittee on Amendments.
Biography: House of Representatives, six terms, 1990-2002; Senator Schoenberg, his wife, Lynne Sered, and their two children reside in northwest Evanston.