According to the CDC, from 2001 to 2020, the cancer death rate among children and adolescents up to 19 years of age has decreased by 24%.
Over that period, the death rate dropped from 2,75 per 100,000 people to just 2,10 per 100,000.
In 2021, brain cancer was the leading cause of death for this age group. The death rate was 23% higher for brain cancer than leukemia and twice as high for bone and cartilage.
Leukemia was the most deadly form of cancer in this age group before 2001. Leukemia deaths among young people fell by 47% between 2001 and 2021.
Second Opinions are a Great Tool after Cancer Diagnosis
Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer should seek second opinions before deciding on a treatment plan.
Stephen Skapek MD, the medical director of Children’s Health’s Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, told NBC News that the advancements in immunotherapy treatment could explain the decline in leukemia death rates.
The declines were not seen in all demographic and age groups. The CDC reported that only children under age nine saw “significant” decreases between 2011 and 2021.
According to the CDC, in 2021, cancer death rates for Black youths were 2.38 per 100,000, Hispanic youths 2.36, and White youths 1.99.
The Associated Press reported that “you can have the most advanced scientific advances but if you can’t bring them to every community the same way then we haven’t met our goal as a country.” Sharon Castellino, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, said. She did not participate in the report.
The report is based on data collected by the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), which collects death certificates from all over the United States.
Learn to Live Fully Once Again
The Ohio State program can be delivered in person or via telehealth over ten daily 1-hour sessions. The patients are expected to participate fully and complete the daily assignments.
STRIVE’s effectiveness is due to the fact that patients cannot cancel or skip sessions. Jackson stated that “the consistency of having to work at high levels every day was very prescriptive.”
Annabelle O. Bryan is the director of the STRIVE Program and a retired Air Force Veteran. She said that many patients begin to recover between the fourth session and the sixth, while others require the entire program, plus maybe an additional hour. She emphasizes, however, that patients will gain the most benefits if they continue to strengthen and practice what they have learned. STRIVE currently boasts a recovery rate of 76%, according to Craig Bryan. This is in line with studies that have shown that 70% to 80% of patients who complete cognitive-processing therapy experience a reduction and improvement of symptoms.
Annabelle Bryan says that relapses can occur six months after leaving the program. These flare-ups usually are a reminder of what happened rather than a full-blown PTSD episode.
Annabelle Bryan noted that 50% of patients recover fully after two years. We track their progress so that they can see it as it happens. This really helps with recovery.
STRIVE also offers “booster” sessions of one hour for those who require additional help. The program is also free. Participants help the organization with its research and receive quality therapy in exchange.
Jackson, who has a fresh outlook on life and a plan to move upstate New York this spring with her new outlook, plans to leave Ohio. She said that STRIVE has given her the chance to become a better human being for her and everyone in her life.
She said, “Rather than just surviving, I’ll finally be able live.”
Veterans, in particular, are encouraged to visit the National Center for PTSD for more information.
Learn more about STRIVE and your eligibility for the program.
You can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Veterans and their families can call 988, press 1, and reach the Veterans Crisis Line or text 838255.
STRIVE provides help via a separate program – STRIVEBCBT – to service members, veterans, first responders without a history of military service, and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.