The most common types are leukemias, brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and lymphomas, accounting for a significant portion of cases in children aged 0-14 years.
An estimated 9,620 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in children from birth to 14 years in the US, with about 1,040 children expected to die from the disease.
Most childhood cancers are thought to develop from genetic mutations leading to uncontrolled cell growth, with 8-10% of cases attributed to inherited mutations.
Diagnosis involves a range of tests, including physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests, biopsies, and genetic testing.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.
Children with cancer are often treated at specialized children's cancer centers with multidisciplinary teams and access to clinical trials.
Follow-up care is crucial for childhood cancer survivors to monitor their health and manage potential late effects of treatment.
Childhood cancer survivors may experience profound physical and emotional effects months or years after treatment, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up care.
Advances in treatment and care have led to a 70% decline in cancer death rates among children from 1970 to 2020, with ongoing research aiming to improve outcomes further.