A cancer diagnosis is life-changing for both children and adults. In 2024, an estimated 9,620 children from birth to 14 will be diagnosed with the disease. Their experience will be entirely different from their adult counterparts. Cancer types, spread and treatments often differ from those in adults.
Understanding these differences is critical to fighting cancer in children, treating them correctly and working toward their health futures. Every two minutes, a family somewhere in the world receives a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to research and treatment innovations mean that 85% of children with cancer will survive five years or more. The first step to increasing that number is learning as much as possible about childhood cancer.
Understanding Childhood vs. Adult Cancer
Cancer can affect different people at different times and presents differently for children and adults. Children's bodies are different from adults, which means that childhood cancer behaves differently. Although rarer, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in young children. One of the main reasons for this is that childhood cancers are aggressive, which often means they are more advanced by the time they are diagnosed.
Another difference between pediatric and adult cancer is the cause. Many adult cancers are caused by natural aging, lifestyle and environmental factors like smoking and UV light exposure. The cause of most childhood cancers remains unknown, but researchers are working hard to learn more.
The Differences in Pediatric and Adult Cancer — Types of Cancers
The types of cancer common in children are entirely different from those you see in adults. Leukemias are the most common type of cancer in children. Lymphomas and sarcomas are also common, as are brain and spinal tumors. Some cancers, like neuroblastoma and retinoblastoma, almost always occur in young children. In contrast, the most common cancers in adults are likely to be in the breasts, lungs, colon, pancreas and prostate.
Let's take a look at some of the most common cancer types in children:
- Leukemia: Leukemias are cancers of the blood and bone marrow. The most common types are acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. They can cause joint pain, fatigue, weakness, paleness, bruising or bleeding, fever, weight loss and other symptoms. These cancers are aggressive and need treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.
- Brain and spinal cord tumors: Many types of brain and spinal cord tumors exist, and each treatment and outlook is different. Depending on the type of tumor, they can cause double vision, seizures, dizziness, headaches, impaired motor function and nausea.
- Neuroblastoma: This type of cancer develops in nerve cells and is rare in children older than 10.
- Retinoblastoma: This cancer is in the eye and is seldom found in children over six. They are usually diagnosed because the eye takes on an unusual appearance.
- Lymphomas: Lymphoma is a rare childhood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fever and unexplained weight loss.
Childhood Cancer Treatment vs. Adult Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments differ between children and adults. The amount of therapy, type of medication or need for surgery is different. For example, some medications given to adults are unsafe for children, which is one of the many reasons pediatric oncology is a medical specialty.
As the cancers children face are often more aggressive, they may receive more intense treatments, which have different side effects on growing bodies. They are often more susceptible to side effects than adults, which can surface years after their treatment ends. Cancer treatments are designed to kill cancerous cells, but they can harm healthy cells, too. Children's bodies are still developing, which makes healthy cell damage particularly worrying. These differences impact oncologists' treatment choices.
The goal of childhood cancer treatment goes beyond immediate survival. Children have their whole lives to look forward to, and the potential long-term effects of their treatment must be considered. Despite these challenges, treatment innovations have vastly improved cancer outcomes in children.
The Emotional Journey — Coping With Cancer in Children vs. Adults
Cancer in children often causes biographical disruptions — they miss out on key milestones they would have expected to achieve. In addition, a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for the child and their family. While an adult cancer diagnosis is just as devastating, adults can better understand the process and rely on an equally knowledgeable support system.
While adults experience relatively little impact on their social and emotional development, a cancer diagnosis comes with a different set of worries. They may fear being in pain or wonder how they will support their families or keep their jobs. They may also feel anger or frustration, as they have a fully developed concept of the impact of the disease, which young children may not be able to grasp.
Living with cancer has a significant emotional impact on children. They often become isolated from friends, and treatment in specialist centers can even isolate them from family. These challenges impact children's ability to continue with social activities, which can impede the development of their interpersonal skills and cause low self-esteem. In some cases, children with cancer get teased by their peers.
The Role of Parents in Childhood Cancer Recovery
A cancer diagnosis is often more heartbreaking for parents than it is for their children. Parents have a better idea of what the diagnosis means and find it challenging to cope with the anxiety and anticipatory grief. In addition to the emotional issues, 55.3% of parents experience financial challenges. Despite these feelings, parents play a crucial role in their child's treatment and recovery process. They must find the strength to support their children and stay positive.
Parents must ensure they get the necessary support to cope with the challenges. Sharing responsibilities with other parents in the same position can also ease emotional and practical burdens. It's natural for parents to put their children's needs first during this challenging time, but the result is often unmet needs. Parents are better equipped to support their children when prioritizing their needs.
How You Can Make a Difference With Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital
Cancer patients and their parents deserve the best levels of care possible. Still, financial constraints and other factors mean they are not always in the position to receive that care. With Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, you can make a meaningful difference to families fighting cancer. Penn State Health Children's Hospital's pediatric cancer program is among the best in the country, and we cover 100% of out-of-pocket medical expenses for eligible families.
There are many ways you can get involved and help change lives. For example, fundraisers like the Four Diamonds Mini-THON® raise funds for care and research. One of the best things about working with us is that you can teach your children to give back — a sentiment they can carry into their adult lives.
We are so grateful to you for joining our cause and making a difference for children living with cancer. Contact us today to learn more about how you can help!