Research and Resources

Why It Matters

Every day, children and families across the United States face the life-changing reality of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. In 2025, an estimated 2,041,910 new cancer cases will be diagnosed nationwide. Approximately 15,000 of those diagnoses will be among children and adolescents ages 0–19, and an estimated 1,700 young lives will be lost to the disease each year (1, 2).

Behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a community navigating an unimaginable journey.

Unequal Outcomes

Advances in research have significantly improved survival rates for many childhood cancers, but not every child has benefited equally. Hispanic children now have the highest pediatric cancer incidence rates in the United States, while non-Hispanic Black children experience higher mortality rates for several pediatric cancers than their white peers (2).

Children living in rural and underserved communities often face additional barriers to specialized pediatric oncology care, participation in clinical trials, and access to supportive services, contributing to disparities in health outcomes (2, 3).

These inequities underscore the importance of continued investment in research, equitable access to care, and comprehensive family support.

Why Continued Investment Matters

Although childhood cancer remains one of the leading causes of disease-related death among children in the United States, continued investment in pediatric cancer research is essential to advancing scientific discoveries, developing safer and more effective treatments, and improving quality of life for children and families (3, 4). Continued investment from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, researchers, healthcare providers, foundations, and individual donors is essential to advancing scientific discoveries, developing safer and more effective treatments, and improving quality of life for children and families.

Every contribution helps accelerate progress toward better treatments, increased survivorship, and, ultimately, cures.

How Mini Sticks Makes a Difference

Mini Sticks believes no child should face cancer alone. Through fundraising, advocacy, community partnerships, and meaningful family experiences, we support children and families throughout their cancer journey while helping invest in the next generation of pediatric cancer research.

Together, we can create brighter moments today while building hope for tomorrow.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025
   https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/2025-cancer-facts-figures.html

2. American Association for Cancer Research. AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025: Pediatric Cancer
   https://cancerprogressreport.aacr.org/pediatric/

3. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Cancers
   https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers

4. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Cancer Research
   https://www.cancer.gov/research/areas/childhood