Childhood Cancer

Cancer in children is rare. Worldwide, children who develop cancer can generally be treated for the disease if they live in developed countries; however, in developing countries, childhood cancer often not cured. The most common cancer diagnosed in children (aged 0–14 years) is leukaemia, except in Africa, where Kaposi sarcoma and Burkitt lymphoma are predominant (Global Cancer Facts & Figures, 2nd Edition).

For additional information on childhood cancer, please go to the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Encyclopedia.

About this Cancer

Statistics

  • Cancers in children (0–14 years of age) differ from those occurring in adults in both their site of origin and their behaviour.
  • Embryonal and hematologic (blood) cancers are more prevalent among children, whereas epithelial tumors are more prevalent among adults. The most frequently diagnosed cancers in children between the ages of 0-14 were leukemia (33%); central nervous system cancers (18%); lymphoma (14%); neuroblastoma as well as other peripheral nervous cell tumours (7%), and soft tissue (6%). Childhood cancers altogether have a one-year survival of 93% and a five year survival of 84%.

Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2025

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of childhood cancer include:

  • The formation of a lump or mass in the neck, chest, armpit or stomach region
  • Feeling extremely tired
  • Pain without a definitive cause
  • Persistent fever
  • Headaches accompanied by vomiting
  • Unintentional weight loss

From: American Cancer Society 

Risk Factors

Childhood cancers are generally thought to arise from random acquired mutations, and relatively few risk factors have been identified. 

Certain factors that are believed to increase the incidence of childhood cancer include:

  • Exposure to radiation
  • Inherited conditions
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke

From: American Cancer Society

Diagnosis

The following may be used to diagnose childhood cancers:

  • Blood tests
  • MRI, ultrasound, CT/PET scans
  • Biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Genetic tests

From: Cleveland Clinic

Treatment

The following can be used in the treatment of childhood cancers:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Surgery 

From: Cleveland Clinic

Stories from Survivors

Resources

Childhood Cancer Groups

Canada

  • Childhood Cancer Canada: “A Canadian charity entirely dedicated to helping children with cancer. They do this by raising awareness, investing in critical pediatric oncology research and clinical trials, and providing support to families throughout their journey.”
  • Leucan: “Promotes the recovery and well-being of cancer-stricken children and their families by providing assistance during and beyond all stages of the illness and its effects, and by supporting research.”
  • Kids Cancer Care Alberta: “The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta is a charitable organization that helps families fighting childhood cancer in Alberta. Kids Cancer Care is passionately dedicated to helping young people affected by cancer and their families survive and thrive in body, mind and spirit.” 
  • Childcan: “Childcan’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to provide personalized, responsive, and compassionate programs and services to families facing the childhood cancer journey from diagnosis, through treatment, post-treatment care, or bereavement. Childcan makes a real difference through: “Helping cover unexpected expenses; Providing a truly listening ear; Offering activities and information designed specifically for each family’s new reality; Funding research closer to home; and Leading advocacy and awareness building so that long lasting change can be achieved.
  • Childhood Cancer Survivor Canada: “To serve as the trusted resource for navigating life as a childhood cancer survivor through awareness, education, community, and access.”
  • AYA CAN: “AYA CAN is a peer-led national organization advocating for Canadian adolescents and young adults (AYA) affected by cancer.”