When you hear the words “childhood cancer,” it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and scared. As parents, we want to protect our children from everything harmful, and cancer seems like an unimaginable challenge. But here’s something important to know: childhood cancer, while serious, is also highly treatable today.
Cancer in children is actually quite rare—affecting about 1 in 285 kids before they turn 20. And the survival rates have improved dramatically over the years. Today, more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive five years or longer. This success comes from better treatments and early detection.
Understanding the most common types of pediatric cancer can help you recognize warning signs early and get the right treatment quickly. Whether you’re a concerned parent seeking information or trying to understand a recent diagnosis, this guide will explain childhood cancers in simple, clear terms.
Why Childhood Cancers Are Different
Children’s bodies are still growing and developing, which means cancer behaves differently in kids than in adults. The good news is that children often respond better to treatment because their bodies heal faster and can tolerate stronger medications.
Childhood cancers also tend to occur in different parts of the body compared to adult cancers. While adults commonly develop cancers in organs like lungs, breasts, or colon, children typically get cancers in their blood, brain, bones, or other developing tissues.
This is why it’s so important to see doctors who specialize in treating cancer in children. They understand these differences and know how to create treatment plans that work best for young patients.
The 7 Most Common Types of Pediatric Cancer
1. Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, making up about 28% of all cancer cases in children. This cancer affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are made.
The two main types are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). ALL is more common and generally responds well to treatment.
Watch for these symptoms:
- Frequent infections or fever
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Extreme tiredness
- Pale skin
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, and many children with leukemia can be cured completely.
2. Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors
Brain tumors are the second most common childhood cancer, accounting for about 26% of cases. These tumors can develop in different parts of the brain or spinal cord.
Warning signs include:
- Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
- Repeated vomiting
- Balance or walking problems
- Vision changes or double vision
- Personality or behavior changes
- Seizures
Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the type and location.
3. Neuroblastoma
This cancer develops from immature nerve cells and most often affects babies and young children under age 5. It usually starts in the adrenal glands near the kidneys but can occur anywhere.
Symptoms to notice:
- Swelling or lump in the belly
- Bone pain
- Dark circles under the eyes (like a raccoon)
- Lumps under the skin
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Treatment depends on the child’s age and how far the cancer has spread. Some cases in very young babies can even go away on their own.
4. Wilms Tumor (Kidney Cancer)
Wilms tumor is the most common type of kidney cancer in children, usually affecting kids between ages 3 and 4.
Key symptoms:
- Swelling or hard lump in the belly
- Blood in the urine
- Fever without infection
- Belly pain
- High blood pressure
The good news is that Wilms tumor has an excellent cure rate—over 90% with proper treatment, which typically involves surgery and chemotherapy.
5. Lymphomas
Lymphomas start in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. There are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These cancers are more common in older children and teenagers.
Signs to watch for:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin (usually painless)
- Fever that won’t go away
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant tiredness
- Trouble breathing or coughing
Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, and many children with lymphoma can be cured.
6. Rhabdomyosarcoma
This is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. It starts in muscles that attach to bones and can occur almost anywhere in the body.
Symptoms depend on location but may include:
- Lump or swelling that doesn’t go away
- Bulging eye or drooping eyelid
- Headache or nosebleeds
- Trouble urinating or having bowel movements
- Blood in urine
Treatment usually includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation.
7. Bone Cancers
The two main types of bone cancer in children are Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma. These are more common in teenagers and often occur during growth spurts.
Warning signs:
- Bone pain that gets worse at night
- Swelling near a bone or joint
- Unexplained fractures
- Limping
- Trouble moving an arm or leg
Treatment typically involves chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor. Many young people with bone cancer go on to live normal, active lives.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most childhood symptoms are caused by common illnesses, not cancer. However, you should talk to your doctor if your child has any of these symptoms that don’t go away or keep getting worse:
- Unusual lumps or swelling anywhere on the body
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever that lasts more than a week
- Frequent bruising or bleeding
- Constant tiredness or weakness
- Persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs
- Frequent headaches with vomiting
- Sudden vision changes or eye problems
- Frequent infections
Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to get it checked out.
Hope for the Future
Childhood cancer treatment has come a long way. Decades ago, very few children survived cancer. Today, the overall survival rate is over 80%, and for some types of childhood cancer, it’s even higher.
Early detection makes a huge difference. When cancer is caught early, treatment is often more effective and less intensive. After treatment, most children go on to live healthy, normal lives, though they’ll need regular follow-up care to monitor for any late effects.
Get Clarity and Support from a Trusted Cancer Specialist
If you’re worried about childhood cancer or your child has been diagnosed, finding the right doctor makes all the difference. Dr. Sumit Shah, a trusted Cancer Specialist in Pune at Prolife Cancer Centre, has helped many families navigate childhood cancer with knowledge, skill, and genuine care.
Dr. Shah takes time to explain everything clearly, answer all your questions, and create treatment plans that work best for each child. At Prolife Cancer Centre, families receive complete support throughout the treatment journey—from diagnosis through recovery.
Don’t wait if you have concerns. Early action can make a significant difference in outcomes.
📞 Contact Dr. Sumit Shah at Prolife Cancer Centre today to schedule a consultation and get the answers and care your child needs.
