Childhood cancer refers to cancers occurring from birth through age 14, while adolescent cancers affect ages 15–19. These cancers differ significantly from adult cancers in type, biology, and treatment approaches.
Key Statistics
U.S. diagnoses (2026): ~9,680 children.
Worldwide diagnoses: ~200,000 children.
5‑year survival rate: ~85% overall.
Most Common Childhood Cancers
Leukemia (ALL, AML) – most common.
Brain and spinal cord tumors – second most common.
Neuroblastoma – typically in children under 5.
Wilms tumor – kidney cancer, common at ages 3–4.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most childhood cancers arise from gene mutations occurring early in development, often before birth. Only about 1 in 12 cases involve inherited gene changes.
Lifestyle factors that influence adult cancers generally do not play a major role in childhood cancer.
Support
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.
--How to cope if your child has cancer
--Helping your child adjust to a cancer diagnosis
--Supporting siblings of children with cancer
Survivorship
Survivorship focuses on the well-being 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.
.png)
