Childhood cancer is a battle that no family ever expects to face, yet it is the reality for far too many. Each year, thousands of children across the globe are diagnosed with various types of cancer, turning their worlds upside down. As a society, we must understand the types and frequencies of these cancers so that we can better support these brave children and their families throughout their journey.
The Frequencies of Childhood Cancer
In the mid-70s, 58% of children under 14 and 68% of adolescents diagnosed with cancer survived at least half a decade, making the five-year survival rate quite low. Between 2013 and 2019, children aged 1 to 14 had an average five-year survival rate of about 85%. The five-year survival rate of adolescents also rose to 87.3%, meaning the average outlook for children and adolescents with cancer improved greatly over the last half-century.
Despite advancements in treatment and improved survival rates, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in America. In 2024, an estimated 9,620 new cases will be diagnosed in children from birth to 14 years old. Tragically, about 1,040 children are expected to lose their battle with the disease.
Most Common Types of Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancers encompass various diagnoses, each with unique challenges, symptoms and treatment protocols. Let's take a look at some of the most prevalent types:
Leukemia
Leukemia refers to cancers of the bone marrow and blood. It is the most common pediatric cancer, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all childhood cancers. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form, while acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is less frequent but often more challenging to treat. Symptoms may include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding and bone pain.
Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors
Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are another common type of childhood cancer. These tumors can develop in various parts of the brain and spinal cord, with symptoms depending on the tumor’s location and size. Common signs include headaches, nausea, vision problems, balance issues and seizures.
Lymphomas
Lymphomas, which affect the lymphatic system, are rare childhood cancers. The two main subtypes are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss and fever.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma develops from immature nerve cells and usually starts in the adrenal glands. It’s an extremely rare childhood cancer and primarily affects children under 5. Symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s location. However, they may include abdominal swelling, bone pain, fever and breathing problems.
Other Types of Childhood Cancer
While less common, other types of childhood cancer include:
- Wilms tumor (kidney cancer)
- Bone cancers (osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma)
- Rhabdomyosarcoma (soft tissue cancer)
- Retinoblastoma (eye cancer)
- Germ cell tumors
- Liver cancers
Each type has its unique characteristics, challenges and treatments. Families must work closely with a pediatric oncology team to understand their child’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment of Childhood Cancers
The treatment of childhood cancers has come a long way in recent decades, leading to improved survival rates and better outcomes for many children. However, the journey is still challenging because of how many types of childhood cancers there are. Treatment often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the specific type and stage of cancer.
Standard treatment options for childhood cancers include:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is often administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy may be given in cycles with periods of rest in between.
- Surgery: Surgery involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue. It may be used as the primary treatment or in combination with other therapies, depending on the type and location of the cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells in a specific body area. It may be used before or after surgery or in combination with chemotherapy.
- Stem cell transplant: A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, may replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This procedure is often used to treat leukemia and lymphomas.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It includes treatments such as targeted antibodies and adoptive cell therapy.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. These therapies often focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins that drive cancer growth.
- Precision medicine: With precision medicine, doctors create a personalized treatment plan for a cancer patient by considering factors like their genes and proteins. Through genetic, genomic, DNA, or molecular testing, doctors can give specific recommendations on what would be the best course of treatment.
Throughout treatment, children and their families work closely with a multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncologists, nurses, social workers and other specialists who provide comprehensive care and support.
Supporting Families Facing Childhood Cancer
The impact of childhood cancer extends far beyond the physical toll on the child. Families face emotional, financial and logistical challenges as they navigate the complex world of cancer treatment. Siblings may struggle with feelings of neglect or fear, while parents often experience significant stress and anxiety. The entire family dynamic shifts, and it's crucial that they receive comprehensive support throughout the cancer journey.
As a community, we can make a difference in the lives of these families. Organizing fundraisers is a wonderful way to provide financial support for families facing the overwhelming costs of childhood cancer treatment. Leading up to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, we invite you to register for Play For The Kids™. The annual effort brings together participants of all ages to honor pediatric cancer patients through the fun of childhood – which may be inaccessible during treatment – while fundraising to support the comprehensive and superior care provided to eligible Four Diamonds families.
Providing emotional support is also crucial. Sending cards, care packages or offering to help with practical needs like nutritious meal preparation or sibling care can mean the world to a family navigating childhood cancer. By showing up and being there, we remind these brave children and their loved ones that they are not alone in this fight.
Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancers
At Four Diamonds, our mission is to conquer childhood cancer by supporting the children and families affected by this devastating disease. Through our comprehensive support services, innovative research initiatives and community outreach, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those touched by childhood cancer. Our team of dedicated social workers, child life specialists and psychologists works together with the medical team at Penn State Health Children's Hospital to provide treatment, emotional support, coping strategies and resources for the whole family.
We invite you to join us in this vital mission by donating today. You can also contact us to learn about upcoming events, ongoing research or other initiatives you can participate in. Together, we can give hope to children battling cancer and their families, ensuring they never face this journey alone.
