Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2023
(Vienna, 01.09.2023) Throughout the year, we are committed to raising awareness about childhood cancer, which fundamentally differs from adult cancer. Every September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we think of something special to go the extra mile. This year we interviewed our young cancer researchers, delving deeper into the personal and professional challenges they face in their work to highlight the critical importance of their contributions.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. A month to raise awareness about how cancer in children differs from adult cancer. Unlike adults, whose cells may have had decades to accumulate genetic defects from environmental factors such as sun exposure, children’s cancers often originate from genetic anomalies present from conception or that develop in utero. This accelerated timeline means pediatric cancers arise under very different circumstances, necessitating dedicated research to understand and effectively treat them.
St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute is at the forefront of this specialized research. The institute is committed to improving treatment options for children and adolescents by combining translational and clinical research with an in-depth exploration of basic disease mechanisms. St. Anna CCRI serves not only as a critical hub for research but also as a training ground for a new generation of dedicated researchers. These young scientists are essential in advancing our understanding and treatment of pediatric cancer, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medical science.
Why do researchers go into childhood cancer research?
The motivations for entering childhood cancer research vary, but stem from a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. Many of our cancer researchers are driven by the potential to create significant positive change and the opportunity to engage in purposeful work. The unique challenges and complexities of pediatric diseases, along with the numerous unanswered questions in the field, also inspire individuals to dedicate their efforts to this crucial area of research. This collective commitment aims to advance understanding and develop effective treatments for childhood cancer.
How to stay motivated as a researcher?
Staying motivated in childhood cancer research involves a combination of factors. A supportive and positive work environment plays a significant role in maintaining enthusiasm. Curiosity drives researchers to discover new knowledge, while the hope that their work will make a meaningful impact keeps them focused. Colleagues provide essential encouragement, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Ultimately, the passion for the work itself—seeing it not as a burden but as a fulfilling pursuit—keeps researchers motivated and dedicated to their goals.
How are cancer researchers affected by their work emotionally?
Researching childhood cancer can be profoundly emotional for scientists. Seeing the ages of young patients in clinical data is heart-wrenching, even when the data is anonymized. Working with patient-derived materials like tumor tissues is essential for achieving research goals, yet it is deeply affecting to know that these samples represent real children and families facing immense challenges. This duality of scientific progress and emotional impact is a constant struggle in the field.
What is the biggest challenge in cancer research?
The greatest challenge in cancer research lies in its complexity and the constant need for innovation. Setting up accurate models for diseases like neuroblastoma, which is highly heterogeneous, is crucial for developing effective treatments. For early-stage researchers, every new task can be daunting, as they strive to absorb information and learn from mistakes while building confidence. Additionally, developing new ideas and exploring alternative paths is essential, requiring openness to suggestions and collaboration with colleagues to avoid tunnel vision and enrich the research process.
What to do when an experiment goes wrong?
When an experiment goes wrong, the key is to troubleshoot, repeat, and persist. It’s a cycle of troubleshooting, repeating, and often failing before eventually succeeding. Consulting with colleagues and supervisors can provide valuable insights. Reflecting on what went wrong and making adjustments to the protocol are crucial steps. Repeating the experiment with these changes increases the chances of achieving the desired outcome.
How do researchers work together?
Working with colleagues in childhood cancer research is characterized by a strong sense of community and collaboration. The exchange of ideas and discussions about both successes and challenges helps maintain a balanced perspective. Researchers benefit from the diverse skill sets of their colleagues, making it easier to find solutions to complex problems. The collaborative and supportive environment fosters a sense of enjoyment and makes research more efficient and rewarding. This willingness to help one another creates a positive and productive workplace.
What is the future perspective of researchers?
In three years, researchers in childhood cancer aim to achieve various personal and professional milestones. Many hope to contribute meaningfully to the field, adding pieces to the complex puzzle of cancer research to enhance understanding and develop better therapies. Completing significant milestones in current projects is a common goal, as is graduating for those still in their academic programs. Some envision leading small research teams dedicated to their passion, while others aim to finish their current studies and continue their careers in translational research, finding their niche in this vital area.