US President Donald Trump has signed a major executive order aimed at speeding up research on pediatric cancer and tapping into the power of artificial intelligence to tackle this tough disease. The move came on October 1 in Washington, DC, and Trump called it a game-changer during a White House event.
“I’m thrilled to sign this very historic executive order to massively accelerate pediatric cancer research and harness the extraordinary potential of artificial intelligence to fight this terrible disease,” Trump told reporters. He highlighted his past efforts, noting that he kicked off the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative back in 2019. Now, he’s doubling the funding for it, following advice from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the MAHA Commission.
“Today, in line with recommendations made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the MAHA Commission, we’re doubling that investment,” Trump said. “I’m also directing the federal government to fully utilize artificial intelligence to supercharge pediatric cancer research.”
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the order, saying it puts real action behind the fight against childhood cancer. “This executive order is about action, unlocking cures, empowering families, and giving every child the chance to grow up healthy and strong,” Kennedy added.
The stakes are high when it comes to childhood cancer. According to the World Health Organization, about 400,000 kids and teens aged 0 to 19 get diagnosed each year worldwide. The most common types include leukemias, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors like neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor.
In wealthy countries with good access to healthcare, more than 80% of kids with cancer beat it. But in low- and middle-income countries, fewer than 30% do. Many preventable deaths there stem from late diagnoses, wrong diagnoses, barriers to treatment, kids dropping out of care, or issues like toxic side effects and relapses.
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