Fortunately, childhood cancers are rare, making up less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed each year. About 12,060 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly for the past few decades.
Because of major treatment advances in recent decades, about 80% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more (although this rate varies depending on the type of cancer). Overall, this is a huge increase from before the 1970s, when the 5-year survival rate was less than 50%. Survival rates for different cancer types are listed in the section, "Surviving childhood cancer."
Despite its rarity and the major advances in treatment and supportive care, cancer is still the second leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years old (after accidents). About 1,340 children are expected to die from cancer in 2012.
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