why koastrong funds RESEARCH
Advancing Research to Prevent Childhood and AYA Cancers
At KoaStrong Childhood Cancer Prevention Organization, we fund and support innovative, prevention-focused research to uncover why healthy children develop cancer—and how we can stop it before it starts.
Our research efforts prioritize:
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Early detection and newborn screening studies
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Environmental health and toxic exposure research
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Identification of genetic and biological risk markers
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Translational science that turns data into prevention strategies
We collaborate with leading scientists, universities, and public health institutions to accelerate breakthroughs in pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancer prevention. We believe that understanding the root causes of cancer in children is essential to reducing diagnoses, improving health outcomes, and protecting future generations.
advocacy
Join the Movement for Childhood Cancer Prevention
Whether you’re a parent, survivor, health professional, or concerned citizen, your voice matters. Together, we can change how cancer is understood and addressed—starting with prevention.
What Our Advocacy Work Includes:
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Sharing stories to humanize the data
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Educating legislators and public officials
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Promoting risk reduction and early detection
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Building a national conversation around prevention
why koastrong must work in advocacy
Policy does not move without public will. Advocacy brings urgency, visibility, and humanity to issues that might otherwise be ignored.
KoaStrong advocates because:
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Most people still don’t know childhood cancer can be prevented. We must shift the narrative from reaction to prevention—and that starts with awareness.
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Children cannot advocate for themselves. It is our responsibility to speak up on their behalf, especially when early action could save lives.
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Decision-makers respond to voices and stories. Data moves slowly—but human experience can drive change.
By sharing lived experience, mobilizing community support, and putting pressure on systems that have historically overlooked children’s cancer risk, our advocacy helps bring prevention to the forefront of the national conversation.
policy change
Help Us Shape Policy That Protects Children
Want to see childhood cancer prevention included in your state’s cancer plan?
KoaStrong is collaborating with public health leaders nationwide.
Our Policy Priorities:
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Newborn cancer screening initiatives
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Stronger environmental health regulations
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Inclusion of childhood and AYA cancer in state cancer control plans
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Increased funding for early detection and prevention research
Why KoaStrong Must Work in Policy
Prevention cannot succeed without systems that support it. While research generates knowledge, policy determines whether that knowledge becomes action.
KoaStrong works in the policy space because:
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Public health policies shape outcomes. From newborn screening panels to chemical exposure limits, policy decisions impact whether children are protected from preventable risks.
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State and national cancer plans guide funding and programs. Without childhood and AYA cancers explicitly included, prevention and early detection efforts for young people are often overlooked.
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Innovation needs infrastructure. Scientific breakthroughs in early detection are meaningless if there are no systems in place to deliver them equitably and at scale.
To prevent cancer before it starts, we must ensure public systems are equipped—and willing—to act. That means policy change is not optional; it is essential.
state cancer plans & koastrongʻs advocacy impact
What Are State Cancer Plans?
Every U.S. state and territory develops a Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (CCCP)—a strategic blueprint for preventing, detecting, and treating cancer at the state level. These plans are created by state public health agencies in collaboration with nonprofits, researchers, cancer centers, policymakers, and advocates.
State Cancer Plans typically include goals, strategies, and measurable actions focused on:
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Reducing cancer risk and exposure
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Increasing screening and early detection
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Improving access to treatment and survivorship support
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Addressing health disparities
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Promoting research and public health innovation
These plans are revised every 5–10 years, and they guide millions in public health funding, policy decisions, and community-based programming.
Why They Matter for Childhood & AYA Cancer Prevention
Historically, childhood and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancers have been underrepresented—or entirely missing—from many State Cancer Plans. This is a critical gap.
Children, adolescents and young adults face different cancer risks, causes, and long-term impacts than adults. The impact of cancer on these families is significant and has far reaching effects for the entire family. The financial toxicity of a childhood cancer diagnosis leaves many families facing crushing medical bills, loss of income, and long-term economic hardship on top of their child’s treatment. Families often face heartbreaking barriers when a child’s best chance for treatment is in another state, as healthcare rules and red tape can delay or even block access to the care they urgently need. Without formal inclusion in state plans, efforts to prevent, detect, or monitor pediatric cancers are often overlooked in favor of adult-centered strategies.
KoaStrong is committed to change and our future efforts focus on the inclusion of prevention and early detection as priority areas.
📣 California’s Bold Step: Including Childhood Cancer in Its Plan
For the first time ever, the 2026–2035 California Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan includes a focus on childhood and AYA cancer—thanks to the persistent advocacy of childhood cancer advocates including KoaStrong.
We are proud to have contributed to this milestone as part of the stakeholder working group. Our advocacy helped ensure that:
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Childhood and AYA cancers are recognized as a unique public health concern
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Environmental, genetic, and diagnostic challenges in children are acknowledged
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Future state-supported initiatives can focus on risk reduction, and research for younger populations
This inclusion opens the door to new public health initiatives, potential state funding, and stronger alignment between state infrastructure and the needs of young people facing cancer.
📍 California’s State Cancer Plan: A First Step Toward Visibility
California’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan will include, for the first time, childhood and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancers, biologically distinct from cancers in older adults and presenting with unique considerations. This represents a significant shift: young people with cancer are no longer invisible in statewide public health planning.
However, the plan does not yet include the prevention and early detection for childhood and AYA cancers.
KoaStrong played a role in elevating the importance of this population within the planning process and sees this recognition as a first step toward prevention.
We will continue to advocate for the inclusion of:
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Early detection and screening priorities for pediatric and AYA cancers
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Research into environmental and early-life risk factors
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Public health campaigns focused on childhood cancer awareness and prevention
This progress marks a milestone—but not the destination. KoaStrong remains committed to ensuring that prevention becomes a pillar—not an afterthought—of cancer planning for all ages.
🌎 A Model for Other States
With California taking the lead, KoaStrong is now working to encourage other states to follow suit. We aim to:
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Share model language from California’s plan with advocates in other states
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Connect with public health officials and cancer coalitions across the country
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Promote the integration of pediatric cancer treatment and prevention into cancer planning nationwide
💛 What This Means for Families
Inclusion in a State Cancer Plan is not just symbolic—it can lead to:
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Better awareness and early detection programs
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Stronger environmental protections for children
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More equitable access to preventive health services
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Policy momentum for newborn cancer screening and exposure research
At KoaStrong, we believe that every state cancer plan should include children, adolescents and young adults. This milestone is a first step toward integrating prevention and early detection into public health policy.
➡️ What’s Next
We will continue advocating for childhood cancer to be included in public health strategies, both in California and nationwide. If you are a public health official, cancer survivor, medical professional, or parent and want to help bring this change to your state, contact us here.
Preventing Childhood cancers: The Role of Folate
Preventing Childhood cancers: The Role of Folate
Scientific research suggests that adequate folate intake before and during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common type. Folate plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and repair, and ensuring sufficient levels may support healthy cell development in children.
The Evidence
Studies indicate that countries with mandatory folic acid fortification have observed stable or declining childhood leukemia rates. The United States and Canada implemented folic acid fortification in the late 1990s, primarily to prevent neural tube defects. However, researchers later found potential protective effects against leukemia. Other countries, including Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand, have also adopted fortification policies with similar benefits.
Why Folate Matters
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA formation and cell growth. Its role in neural tube defect prevention is well-known, but studies now show that folate also helps protect against genetic mutations linked to childhood leukemia.
How to Get Enough Folate
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Dietary Sources: Folate-rich foods include fortified cereals, leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and legumes. While these are important, they may not provide enough folate alone.
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Supplements: Health experts recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 600 mcg of folic acid for at least one year before and during pregnancy.
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Fortified Foods: Many flours, breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals are enriched with folic acid, providing an additional source of this essential nutrient.
What the Research Shows
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Countries with mandatory folic acid fortification have seen lower rates of childhood leukemia.
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Mothers who took folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy had a reduced risk of leukemia in their children.
Our Mission
KoaStrong is committed to raising awareness and advocating for childhood leukemia prevention by encouraging women of reproductive age to prioritize folate intake. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships with healthcare providers, we aim to reduce childhood leukemia incidence and protect future generations.
What You Can Do
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Talk to Your Doctor: Ask about folate supplementation if you're planning a pregnancy.
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Spread Awareness: Share this life-saving information with your community.
Learn more about how you can support primary prevention efforts and share this vital message with your community.