Solving Australia's childhood cancer shame
Three children die from cancer every week and Australia has one of the highest rates of childhood cancer worldwide.
Which is why there is now a radical plan to try to raise the survival rates, with a pilot study starting soon.
Researchers are convinced they can achieve their goal because what they've done so far is one of medicine's great success stories.
Childhood cancer has cast a shadow over Nikki Quinn's life since she was diagnosed with leukemia, aged 13.
"I lost eight friends to cancer over my ten years of treatment," she told 7 News.
Now she's desperately hoping the daughter of her cousin, Brad Haddin, survives her battle with one of the most agressive kids cancers - neuroblastoma.
"Brad was a massive part of the reason I am here and a massive source of strength and courage," she said.
A new campaign by the Children's Cancer Institute and Sydney Children's Hospital aims to help kids like Mia Haddin by raising cancer survival rates in children from 80 per cent to 100 per cent.
"Every week three children are dying of cancer. It is the commonest cause of death from disease in children in this country," said Professor Michelle Haber from the Children's Cancer Institute.
Scientists will examine the cancer cells of children with the most aggressive forms of cancer.
They will start with a pilot study of 12 children but by 2020 it's hoped every child will undergo this personalised treatment.
"We will identify the specific drug that has the greatest chance of curing that kids cancer," Professor Haber told 7 News.
The crippling side effects of surviving cancer - which include infertility, diabetes, hearing losss, heart problems and learning difficulties - will also be tackled.
But it's curing cancer which is key for Nikki.
"Everyone who gets diagnosed with cancer deserves those words that you are in remission," she said.
"I can't wait for the day when everyone is."
A day which is now coming closer and closer.
National news break – September 2
