Medically reviewed by Mitchell S. Cairo, MD

Hearing that a child may have cancer is very scary for any family. Childhood cancer is rare. Today, many children who are diagnosed go on to survive and live full lives. Knowing the basics, including common warning signs and how childhood cancer is different from adult cancer, can help families know when to call a doctor.

How childhood cancer is different from adult cancer

Cancer in children often acts differently than cancer in adults. Many adult cancers are linked to lifestyle or exposures over many years. Most childhood cancers are not. They often happen because of early changes in a child’s DNA. These changes may happen before birth, and the cause is often unknown.

The most common childhood cancers are leukemia and brain and spinal cord tumors, including gliomas. Other types include neuroblastoma and lymphoma.

• Leukemia is cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. Leukemia happens when the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells.
• Gliomas are tumors that start in the brain or spinal cord. Some grow slowly, while others grow faster.
• Neuroblastoma starts in immature nerve cells. It is most often found near the kidneys and is most common in babies and very young children.
• Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. This system helps the body fight germs. Lymphoma can cause swollen lymph nodes and may affect other parts of the body.

Signs parents should watch for

Many signs of childhood cancer can look like signs of more common illnesses. That is why it is important to pay attention to symptoms that do not go away. Call your child’s doctor if you notice:

• Unexplained fatigue or paleness
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Fevers that keep coming back or do not have a clear cause
• Swelling or lumps, especially in the belly, neck, arms or legs
• Frequent headaches, sometimes with vomiting, especially in the morning
• Bone or joint pain that doesn’t go away
• Sudden changes in vision or changes in the eyes
• Unexplained weight loss

Most children with these symptoms do not have cancer. Still, symptoms that last, get worse or do not have a clear cause should be checked by a doctor. If concerns about cancer arise, seeking care at a specialized pediatric cancer center is important.

How doctors find and treat childhood cancer

If a doctor thinks a child may have cancer, they may order blood tests, imaging tests or a biopsy. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, take pictures inside the body. A biopsy means removing a small sample of tissue to test it. Treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. It may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or more than one type of treatment.

Children’s bodies respond to treatment differently than adults’ bodies do. That is why doctors who treat childhood cancer have special training. Care teams make treatment plans that consider a child’s cancer, age, growth and development.

Why survival rates give families hope

Childhood cancer survival has improved a lot over the past several decades. Today, about 85% of children with cancer in the U.S. live at least five years after diagnosis. In the mid-1970s, that number was about 58%. Survival rates are different for each type of cancer.

Even with this progress, treatment can be hard. Care does not always end when treatment ends. Many childhood cancer survivors need follow-up care as they grow. This helps doctors watch for health problems that may happen later because of cancer treatment.

How cancer can affect a child’s daily life

A cancer diagnosis can change a child’s day-to-day life. Treatment may mean many trips to the hospital, time away from school and days when a child feels too tired or sick to do normal activities. Some children may also have changes in how they look, such as hair loss. Others may have side effects, such as nausea or low energy.

Younger children may not fully understand what is happening. Older children and teens may miss friends, school and their usual routines. Support from family, friends and hospital staff can help children cope during treatment.

If you notice symptoms in your child that worry you, do not wait for the next well visit. Call your child’s doctor. Getting checked early can help families get answers and the right care sooner. WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital offers pediatric oncology services for children and families through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. It is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Children’s Hospitals for pediatric cancer care.

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