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Children's cancer

Children's cancer types

We have more detailed information on some types of children's cancer. This includes symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

We are developing our children's cancer information and we will be adding to this page.

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

Find out about childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, how it is diagnosed and treated, and resources and organisations that can help you cope.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer. It most commonly affects children under the age of 5. One or both eyes can be affected.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children, mostly under the age of 5. Around 100 children are diagnosed each year in the UK. Find out more about the symptoms, tests your child might have, treatment, side effects, coping and research.

Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma)

Wilms tumour is a type of kidney cancer that most commonly affects young children. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatment.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells. It is also called a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Brain tumours in children

Brain tumours are the second most common type of children’s cancer in the UK. Around 420 children are diagnosed with these tumours each year in the UK.

Last reviewed: 25 May 2021

Next review due: 25 May 2024

Page Credits

These sections have been written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thanks to the expert medical professionals and people affected by cancer who have helped to review this information.

  • Dr Sam Behjati (Consultant Paediatric Oncologist) for reviewing the Wilms tumour section

  • Dr Amos Burke (Consultant Paediatric Oncologist) for reviewing the non-Hodgkin lymphoma section

  • Professor Mandeep S Sagoo (Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon) for reviewing the Retinoblastoma section

  • Dr John Moppett (Consultant Paediatric Haematologist) for reviewing the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia section

  • Professor Deborah Tweddle (Consultant Paediatric and Adolescent Oncologist) for reviewing the Neuroblastoma section

  • Professor Simon Bailey (Professor of Paediatric Neuro Oncology and Consultant Paediatric Oncologist) for reviewing the Brain tumour section

  • Our lay reviewers

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