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The types of cancers that develop in children are often different from the types that develop in adults. Unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors. And only a small number of childhood cancers are caused by DNA (gene) changes that are passed from parents to their child.
When cancer occurs in children, it often affects: The most common cancer in children affects blood cells. It is called acute lymphoblastic leukemia. While these cancers can happen in adults, they are less common. Other types of cancer, such as prostate, breast, colon, and lung are much less likely in children than adults.
- Overview
- Types of Childhood Cancers
- What Causes Childhood Cancer
- Diagnosis
- Treatments
- Side Effects
- References
- Review Date 8/9/2022
- Related MedlinePlus Health Topics
Childhood cancers are not the same as adult cancers. The type of cancer, how far it spreads, and how it is treated is often different from adult cancers. Children's bodies and the way they respond to treatments are unique as well.
Keep this in mind when reading about cancer. Some cancer research is based on adults only. Your child's cancer care team can help you understand your child's cancer and the best options for treatment.
Cancer in children is rare, but some types are more common than others. When cancer occurs in children, it often affects:
•Blood cells
•Lymph system
•Brain
•Liver
•Bones
Most of the time the cause of a childhood cancer is not known.
Some cancers are linked to changes in certain genes (mutations) passed from parent to child. In some children, gene changes that occur during early growth in the womb increase the risk of leukemia. However, not all children with the mutation get cancer. Children born with Down syndrome are also more likely to develop leukemia.
Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers do not occur due to lifestyle choices, like diet and smoking.
It is hard to study childhood cancer because it is rare. Scientists have looked at other risk factors including chemicals, toxins, and factors from the mother and father. The results of these studies show few clear links to childhood cancers.
Since childhood cancers are so rare, they are often difficult to diagnose. It is not uncommon for symptoms to be present for days or weeks before a diagnosis is confirmed.
Treatment for childhood cancer is similar to treatment for adult cancer. It may include:
•Chemotherapy
•Radiation therapy
•Medicines
•Immune therapy
•Stem cell transplants
Treatment for cancer may cause side effects.
Mild side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, pain, and upset stomach can be bothersome for children. Other common effects include:
•Infections
•Mouth sores
•Need for transfusions
•Poor appetite (needing nutritional support)
American Cancer Society website. What are the differences between cancers in adults and children? www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-in-children/differences-adults-children.html. Updated October 14, 2019. Accessed November 8, 2022.
National Cancer Institute website. Cancer in children and adolescents. www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/child-adolescent-cancers-fact-sheet. Updated November 4, 2021. Accessed November 8, 2022.
Updated by: Stergios Zacharoulis, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatric Oncology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The types of cancers that occur most often in children are different from those seen in adults. The most common cancers of children are: Leukemia. Brain and spinal cord tumors. Neuroblastoma. Wilms tumor. Lymphoma (including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) Rhabdomyosarcoma. Retinoblastoma.
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Sep 4, 2018 · The differences between cancers in adults and children go well beyond age. In many respects, they are markedly different diseases. Perhaps the biggest divergence is that cancer is far more common in adults than children, largely because the genetic mutations that spur the disease can take years to accumulate and affect cell growth and division.
Childhood or pediatric cancer describes a group of cancers that affect children (infants to age 14) and teenagers (age 15 to age 19). Childhood cancer isn’t common, but when it happens, it changes the lives of children with the condition, their parents and caregivers. Thanks to newer treatments tailored to their needs, more than 80% of ...
Nov 20, 2020 · The most common cancers in children are leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas and sarcomas. Some childhood cancers, like retinoblastoma and neuroblastoma, are almost always diagnosed in young children. Cancer behaves differently in children than in adults. Children’s bodies are different from adult’s, and even when it’s the same type of ...
