Author Penned Children's Book on Cancer History
A Chattanooga volunteer has written a new book to help young people discuss family cancer history with their parents.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Cancer
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Tony Rogers has authored a children's book aimed at youth ages 10 to 16 to explain cancer and family health history. The project seeks to make these sensitive medical conversations less uncomfortable for families.
Why it matters
The book project aims to empower children with the necessary information to openly discuss health and cancer risks with their parents. It addresses the need for clearer communication regarding familial health histories.
The American Cancer Society projects that 3,560 Tennessee residents will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2026. Within that same year, 1,610 deaths from the disease are expected to occur across the state.
The players
Tony Rogers
He is an author and a volunteer with the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation.
American Cancer Society
It is a national voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, and advocacy.
Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation
This is a local organization that focuses on support and education regarding colon cancer in the Chattanooga area.
The details
Tony Rogers, who volunteers with the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation, drew inspiration from his family's personal experience with disease. His father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, and his grandfather died from colon cancer.
Timeline
Tony Rogers' father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018.
American Cancer Society estimates for Tennessee cancer cases and deaths are for the year 2026.
Health Landscape
The project follows a pattern of public awareness initiatives prompted by the data released in the American Cancer Society's annual state cancer incidence projections. These efforts seek to bridge the gap between complex medical diagnostics and familial health literacy.
The book provides a resource for families in Chattanooga to start conversations about hereditary cancer risks. It helps bridge the communication gap between parents and children ages 10 to 16 regarding complex medical histories.
The takeaway
Open communication about family medical history can help children feel more prepared for navigating health challenges. Proactive discussions regarding cancer risks may facilitate earlier medical awareness for families.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services and research in the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Local3News.
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