HomeHealth TopicsChildren TeenagersCancer in Children
Back to Children Teenagers
Cancer in Children
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Children Teenagers

Cancer in Children

While childhood cancer can develop suddenly, many types are treatable, with leukemia being the most common form in children.

Overview

Cancer is a group of related diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells, which then spread into surrounding tissues. In a healthy body, new cells form to replace old ones that die. However, this process can go wrong, resulting in the formation of extra cells when they are not needed and the failure of old cells to die. These extra cells can form a tumor.

Tumors are classified as either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. Malignant tumors are cancer, where cancer cells can spread to nearby tissues or break away to spread to other parts of the body.

Characteristics of Childhood Cancer

Children can develop cancer in the same parts of the body as adults, but there are distinct differences in how it presents. Childhood cancers may happen suddenly, often without early symptoms. Importantly, some types of childhood cancer can often be cured.

The most common children's cancer is leukemia. Other more common types include:

  • Brain tumors
  • Lymphoma
  • Soft tissue sarcoma

Treatment & Management

Symptoms and treatment plans depend on the specific type of cancer and how advanced it is. Common treatments may include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Stem cell transplants
  • Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells

Frequently Asked Questions

Childhood cancer treatments are often more intensive and aggressive because many types of pediatric cancer are highly curable. While adults may receive maintenance therapy to manage chronic disease, children typically undergo high-dose chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation with the goal of a complete cure. Additionally, pediatric oncologists place a higher priority on minimizing long-term side effects, such as growth issues, heart damage, or secondary cancers, which can impact a child for decades.
Most childhood cancers are not inherited; they result from random genetic mutations during cell division. However, a small percentage of cases are linked to hereditary syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or retinoblastoma. If a child is diagnosed with a rare cancer or multiple primary cancers, a genetic counselor may recommend testing. If a hereditary condition is confirmed, siblings and parents may need genetic screening and enhanced surveillance for specific cancer risks.
Unlike adult cancers that often develop slowly, childhood cancers can appear suddenly. Common early signs include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent fevers, night sweats, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Parents should also watch for bone pain that does not improve with rest, persistent headaches, or changes in vision or balance. If a child exhibits these symptoms for more than two weeks, a medical evaluation is necessary.
Recovery varies significantly by cancer type and treatment intensity. Immediately after chemotherapy, children may experience nausea, fatigue, and low immunity for several weeks. Full physical recovery, including the return of normal blood cell counts and immune function, can take three to six months. However, long-term follow-up care is required for years to monitor for late effects of treatment, such as hormonal imbalances, organ damage, or the development of secondary conditions.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss