According to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), childhood cancer is relatively rare, but it is the leading cause of death from disease among children in the United States. “About 1,600 children and teens still die from cancer each year.”
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor children battling cancer, support survivors, and stand with their families. The good news is that progress has been made: five-year survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades, but there is still more work to do to ensure every child has a chance to live a healthy life. Through prevention, regular checkups, and timely screenings, many health problems can be caught earlier, giving children the best chance for healthy growth.
The most common types of childhood cancers are:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia
- Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors
- Lymphoma
- Germ cell tumors and neoplasms
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Neuroblastoma
View the full list of childhood cancers from AACR here.
Some signs to watch for include: unusual lumps or swelling, unexplained fever or weight loss, fatigue, or changes in vision or behavior. (Always consult with a pediatric provider if you have concerns.)
At Community Health Centers of South Central Texas (CHCSCT), we are committed to being a partner in prevention and early detection. Regular well-child visits, vaccines, and lab tests are key steps families can take to support healthy growth and catch concerns early.
September also includes World Patient Safety Day on September 17, led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s slogan, “Patient Safety from the Very Start!”, focuses on safe care for children and adolescents worldwide. CHCSCT is also proud to be part of that mission, making safety and prevention a priority for every child we serve.
Keep reading to learn how our vaccines, lab tests, and pediatric visits support healthy growth and give South Central Texas children and families’ peace of mind.
Why Prevention Matters: Pediatric Care at CHCSCT
Preventive care is one of the most powerful ways to protect children’s health. Regular pediatric checkups help:
- Detect potential concerns early
- Allow time for treatment or intervention
- Give families peace of mind
- Support healthy growth and development
Pediatric services available at CHCSCT include:
- Well-child checkups
- Vaccinations
- Growth and development monitoring
- Illness and chronic condition management
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Health education for parents on nutrition, behavior, and safety
Our providers also focus on the mental, emotional, and social well-being of every child, ensuring visits are safe, supportive, and tailored to each child’s needs. Click here to view a list of our expert pediatric providers available near you!
On-Site Diagnostic Lab Tests
At CHCSCT, we provide the recommended vaccines for children, teens, and young adults, including: Flu, Pneumonia, Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), HPV, Shingles, and COVID-19.
Our on-site diagnostic labs make it easy to stay on top of your family’s health. We offer:
- Routine tests: blood counts, cholesterol, blood sugar
- Specialized tests: thyroid function, hormone levels, and nutrition panels
Reminder: Vaccines and lab work are available by appointment! Find your nearest CHCSCT location here or call 800-343-1577 to schedule your appointment today.
World Patient Safety Day: September 17, 2025
On World Patient Safety Day, we join the World Health Organization in raising awareness about safety risks in pediatric and newborn care. This day highlights the unique needs of children, families, and caregivers and reminds us that a single safety incident can have lifelong consequences for a child’s health and development.
This year’s theme, “Patient Safety from the Start!”, calls on all of us to make pediatric care safer.
“Newborns and young children face higher risks due to their rapid development, evolving health needs and different disease patterns. They rely on adults to speak up and make decisions for them. Children may also face added challenges depending on their socio-economic circumstances, such as not being able to get the care they need. These factors make them more susceptible to harm if care isn’t specifically adapted to their age, size, health condition and context.” — World Health Organization (WHO)
At CHCSCT, patient safety is part of everything we do. From using evidence-based guidelines to keeping vaccines and screenings up to date, we focus on prevention and safe care to give children the healthiest start possible. The WHO calls on parents, caregivers, providers, educators, and community leaders to take action and help prevent avoidable harm to ensure all children live a healthier future! Find a community health center near you and call 800-343-1577 to schedule a pediatric well-visit, vaccine, or lab appointment for your child.
