The cancers of childhood, from diagnosis to coping

The cancers that affect children and teens, how they're found and treated, what raises the risk, and how families cope.

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Childhood Cancers

A cancer diagnosis is upsetting at any age, but especially so when the patient is a child. It's natural to have many questions, such as, Who should treat my child? Will my child get well?

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Childhood cancer basics

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. These cells can form tumors that are benign or malignant. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Learn more about how cancer develops, how cancer cells differ from normal cells, and genetic changes that cause cancer to grow and spread.

Childhood cancer types

Childhood cancers differ from adult cancers in the types that occur and how they are treated. The most common are leukemia, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and brain and spinal cord tumors; others range from lymphoma and Wilms tumor to retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and rare tumors.

Childhood cancer causes and risks

Anything that increases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer risk factor. Some risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many cannot. For example, both smoking and inheriting certain genes are risk factors for some types of cancer, but only smoking can be avoided. Learn about factors that may influence the risk of cancer.

Childhood cancer prevention

Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances, and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing. Find out about cancer prevention.

Childhood cancer tests and diagnosis

There are many tests and procedures to diagnose cancer. Your doctor may ask about personal and family medical history or order lab tests, imaging scans, or a biopsy. Learn about the different methods used to diagnose cancer and what to expect.

Childhood cancer treatment

There are many types of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is one of the most common types of cancer treatment. What type of cancer treatment is right for your child? Get basic information about some of the most common types of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Childhood cancer coping and caregiving

When a child has cancer, every member of the family needs support. Parents often feel shocked and overwhelmed following their child’s cancer diagnosis. As you dig deep for strength, reach out to your child’s treatment team and to people in your family and community for support. Read on for tips on coping and finding support.

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