Children's cancer
Cancer is when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way. Some cancers may spread into other tissues that are nearby or in distant parts of the body. Children's cancer is much less common than adult cancer.
In the UK around 1,900 children (aged 0 - 14 years) get diagnosed with cancer each year. This number includes non cancerous (benign) brain tumours. Children develop different types of cancers than adults. But they often have the same types of treatments.
It's important to remember that cancer in children is rare. Out of the different types of cancer the most common type in childhood are:
acute leukaemias (a type of blood cancer)
cancers of the brain and spinal cord
Other types of children's cancers include:
lymphoma (cancer that starts in the )
muscle or bone cancers, such as rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma is most common type diagnosed in children.
neuroblastoma (a cancer of nerve cells)
Wilms tumours (a type of kidney cancer)
retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer)
Get detailed children's cancer statistics
Find more detailed information about some cancer types that might affect children.
In the 1960s about 20 to 30 out of every 100 children (about 20 to 30%) with cancer were successfully treated. But since then treatment for children with cancer has improved greatly.
Now more than 80 out of every 100 children (more than 80%) diagnosed with cancer will live for at least 5 years or more. Almost all children diagnosed with and are cured for 5 years or more.
Even though cancer is not common in children, it is the leading cause of death from. The second most common cause of death in children is accidents.
The number of children dying from different types of cancers have gone down. But the amount of childhood deaths from cancer overall has gone up.
Cancer symptoms can be very similar to those of other illnesses. And they vary between children. Remember, cancer in children is very rare.
Last reviewed: 21 Dec 2023
Next review due: 21 Dec 2026
Get information about the possible symptoms of cancer and when to see a cancer specialist.
We don't know what causes or how to prevent most childhood cancers. There are some factors that can increase the risk of cancer in children.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
There is lots of help and support available for children, their parents, siblings and other family members.
Survival depends on many different factors. It depends on your child’s cancer type and any changes inside the cancer cells. It also depends on treatment and generally how well they are.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
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Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
