Leukemia is the most common children’s cancer. It accounts for about 1 in 3 childhood cancer cases, or roughly 30 percent of all pediatric diagnoses. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of childhood leukemia. Brain and central nervous system tumors rank as the second most common children’s cancer.
What Is Children’s Cancer?
Children’s cancer refers to malignant disease that develops in people from birth through age 19. Pediatric cancers differ from adult cancers in their types, causes, and treatment responses. Leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma account for most cases. Childhood cancer remains rare overall, affecting about 18 to 19 children per 100,000 each year in the United States.
Key Facts About Children’s Cancer
- Leukemia accounts for roughly 30 percent of childhood cancers.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia represents about three in four childhood leukemia cases.
- Brain and central nervous system tumors rank as the second most common childhood cancer.
- Leukemia develops in the bone marrow and blood-forming cells.
- Childhood leukemia occurs most often in children ages 2 to 5.
- The five-year survival rate for childhood ALL exceeds 90 percent.
- Lymphoma ranks as the third most common cancer in children.
- Childhood cancer affects about 18 to 19 children per 100,000 each year.
How Does Childhood Leukemia Develop?
Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells. Cancerous cells crowd out healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This process weakens the immune system and reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and clot. Childhood leukemia divides into two main types based on the cells it affects.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
ALL affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. ALL accounts for about three in four childhood leukemia cases. ALL occurs most often in children ages 2 to 5.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
AML affects myeloid cells, which form red blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells. AML represents most remaining childhood leukemia cases. AML carries a five-year survival rate of roughly 65 to 70 percent.
What Are the Other Common Types of Children’s Cancer?
Leukemia leads all pediatric diagnoses, but several other cancers affect children at meaningful rates. These cancers differ in location, cell type, and age pattern.
Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors
Brain and spinal cord tumors form the most common solid tumor in children. These tumors account for about 1 in 5 childhood cancers. Symptoms depend on tumor location and size.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma develops in lymphocytes within the immune system. Lymphoma ranks as the third most common children’s cancer. The category includes Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma forms in immature nerve cells. Neuroblastoma appears most often in infants and young children. This cancer accounts for a small share of pediatric cases.
What Are Common Signs of Children’s Cancer?
Childhood cancer symptoms often resemble common illnesses, which can delay recognition. Persistent fever, unexplained bruising, and ongoing fatigue can signal leukemia.
Frequent infections, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes also appear in many cases. A pediatrician evaluates these symptoms through blood tests and imaging when they persist.
How Is Children’s Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis usually begins with blood work and a physical examination. Doctors confirm leukemia through a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment for childhood leukemia relies primarily on chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiation or stem cell transplant. Treatment often spans two to three years for ALL. Survival rates have risen sharply over recent decades. According to the National Cancer Institute’s research on children’s cancer survival, the five-year survival rate for childhood ALL climbed from 57 percent in 1975 to more than 92 percent in recent years.
When Do Families Need Support During a Children’s Cancer Diagnosis?
A childhood cancer diagnosis creates financial strain alongside medical hardship. Treatment often requires years of hospital visits, travel, and lost work income. Insurance frequently leaves families with costs it does not cover.
Many families face medication expenses, transportation costs, and daily living bills during treatment. Nonprofit organizations help close this gap by providing direct financial aid.
Who Is The Children’s Cancer Society?
The Children’s Cancer Society (CCSA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides direct financial aid to families of children fighting cancer. Richard Senato founded the organization in 2012, with Carmen Senato as co-founder. The organization covers treatment-related costs that insurance leaves behind, from medical bills to daily living expenses. Its work centers on keeping families financially stable through a children’s cancer diagnosis.
- The Children’s Cancer Society was founded in 2012 in Dutchess County, New York.
- The organization operates as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.
- CCSA provides monetary aid for medical expenses that insurance does not cover.
- The organization began its mission for Michael Montana, a boy diagnosed with leukemia at age 11.
- CCSA raised more than $73,000 for the Montana family.
- The organization averages about $25,000 in aid per child for treatment.
- CCSA supports families nationally from its offices in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Cancer
Is children’s cancer common?
Childhood cancer is rare compared to adult cancer. It affects about 18 to 19 children per 100,000 in the United States each year. Leukemia remains the most frequent type.
What is the most common cancer in children under 5?
Leukemia is the most common cancer in young children. ALL peaks between ages 2 and 5. Neuroblastoma and central nervous system tumors also appear frequently in this age group.
Can children’s cancer be prevented?
Most childhood cancers have no known cause and cannot be prevented. Few pediatric cancers link to lifestyle or environmental factors. Genetic conditions raise risk in a small number of cases.
What is the survival rate for childhood leukemia?
Survival rates for childhood leukemia have improved significantly. ALL now carries a five-year survival rate above 90 percent. AML survival ranges from about 65 to 70 percent.
Support for Families Facing a Children’s Cancer Diagnosis
A children’s cancer diagnosis reshapes a family’s medical and financial reality. The Children’s Cancer Society provides monetary aid to families covering treatment costs that insurance leaves behind. Families facing a children’s cancer diagnosis can request assistance or refer another family by calling 914-369-9642.