Childhood Cancer

If your child or a child you know has just been diagnosed with cancer, is going through treatment, or is trying to stay well after treatment, you’re not alone. We can help you find information about diagnosis, treatment, and life after treatment.

What Are Childhood Cancers?

Cancers that affect children from birth through age 14 are known as childhood cancers or pediatric cancers. Cancers that affect teens age 15 to 19 are known as adolescent cancers.

The types of cancers that affect children and adolescents are similar, but some types may be more likely in certain age groups.

About 9,680 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026.

The good news is that 85% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more. This has been a huge improvement since the mid-1970s, when the 5-year survival rate was only about 58%. Still, survival rates depend on the cancer type and other factors.

Most childhood cancers are caused by gene changes (mutations) that happen early in the child’s life. Sometimes gene changes happen even before birth. These changes can be inherited or acquired. About 1 in 12 childhood cancers are caused by inherited gene changes, but the causes of most gene changes are not known. Because of this, there are not many ways to prevent childhood cancer.

Most cancers in children are found when a parent or doctor notices a new sign or symptom. Some are found while a child is getting tests for a different problem.

If your child has a family history of cancers, their doctor might suggest talking to a genetic counselor to see if genetic testing is right for them.

Types of Childhood Cancers

The types of cancers that occur in children are often different from the types that occur in adults. The most common childhood cancers are:

Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. It is a cancer of white blood cells which starts in the blood and bone marrow. There are different types of leukemia. The most common types of leukemia in children are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Brain tumors are the second most common type of childhood cancer. There are many types of brain and spinal cord tumors. The treatment and outlook for each is different. Not all brain tumors are cancers. However, because of their location, most need treatment.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of immature nerve cells. It is most common in babies and young children under 5 years old. Sometimes this cancer develops before birth and might be found during an ultrasound (sonogram).

Wilms tumor (also called nephroblastoma) is a cancer of the kidney. It is most often found in young children about 3 to 4 years old. It can grow in one or both kidneys.

Hepatoblastoma is the most common liver cancer in children. This cancer is more common in infants born prematurely or those with low birth weight. It can also be seen in some children with family cancer syndromes. It is most common in children under the age of 5.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system cells called lymphocytes. It is often found in the lymph nodes, or sometimes in the tonsils or thymus. Lymphoma can also affect the bone marrow and other organs.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) starts in cells that normally form connective tissues. These include muscle, fat, bone, or lining of the joints and blood vessels. RMS can develop almost anywhere in the body, but the most common areas are the head, neck, bladder, reproductive organs, arms, legs, chest, or belly.

Retinoblastoma starts in the retina, the back part of the eye. It’s a rare cancer and occurs most often in babies and children under 5 years old. Retinoblastoma can be passed through families.

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in younger people. Most cases occur in teens and young adults, but it can occasionally occur in younger children. It often starts in the bones of the arm or leg.

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common type of bone cancer in younger people. Most cases occur in teens and young adults. It usually starts in the hip (pelvic) bones, the bones in the chest wall (such as the ribs or shoulder blades), the bones of the spine, and the long bones of the legs.

How a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Affects the Family

Families may face many challenges when a child is diagnosed with cancer. This can be a stressful and overwhelming time. Learn practical ways to cope, communicate with your child, support siblings, and navigate the early days after diagnosis.

A father carrying his child in a sunny field

Childhood Cancer Treatment

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, finding the right cancer care is essential. Here are some tips on navigating the healthcare system.

Treating childhood cancer

Childhood cancer treatment can be different from treating cancer in adults. Learn more about types of treatment and how they help.

Get information on general types of treatments for cancer in children based on how they work and when they are used. Learn more here.

Finding a children's cancer center

Children’s cancer centers are best able to meet the needs of children with cancer and their families. These centers have teams of specialists who know the differences between cancers in adults and those in children and teens. They know about the unique needs of younger people with cancer. Children’s cancer centers might be able to offer clinical trials and newer therapies for treatment, depending on the type of cancer.

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, finding the right cancer care is essential. Here are some tips on navigating the health care system.

Working with your child's cancer care team

Many healthcare professionals will be involved in caring for your child. So open, honest, and clear communication is crucial. It is important to discuss your child’s treatment options as well as their possible side effects with the treatment team. Doing this helps them make decisions about what may be best for your child. Learn how to take an active role in your child's cancer care.

Good communication among patients, families, and health care team members is very important. Here are some tips to help.

Survivorship: Life During and After Cancer Treatment

Survivorship focuses on the wellbeing of a child with cancer from when they are diagnosed through the rest of their life. Here are some resources to help children as they go through treatment and beyond.

More Information and Resources

Organize your cancer journey with the American Cancer Society Cancer Care Toolkit.

A helpful tool for people who are caring for someone with cancer. View the complete guide here.

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for people with a serious illness like cancer. It provides comfort and support for your child and family.