Cancer is a devastating disease that can affect people of any age, including children. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Approximately 10,500 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S. Understanding the prevalence of pediatric cancer and the most common types can help raise awareness and support for continued research into improved treatments and potential cures.
What is the incidence rate of pediatric cancer in the U.S.?
The incidence rate refers to the number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year. For pediatric cancers, the incidence rate is 18.7 cases per 100,000 children per year. This equates to approximately 15,780 new cases of cancer in children ages 0-19 each year. Rates have slowly increased over the past few decades, but the reasons for this are unclear. Some possibilities include improved diagnostics, changes in environmental exposures, and differences in reporting.
Pediatric Cancer Incidence Rates by Age
The incidence rate of pediatric cancer varies significantly based on age:
- Ages 0-4: 16.1 cases per 100,000
- Ages 5-9: 18.3 cases per 100,000
- Ages 10-14: 20.3 cases per 100,000
- Ages 15-19: 26.9 cases per 100,000
Rates are lowest among infants and steadily increase through the teenage years.
Comparison to Adult Cancer Rates
The pediatric cancer incidence rate is much lower than that seen in adults. The overall cancer incidence rate in the United States is 459.6 cases per 100,000 people per year based on 2016-2020 data. So pediatric cancer is relatively rare compared to cancers in adulthood.
What are the most common childhood cancers?
The types of cancers that children develop differ from those seen in adults. The most common childhood cancers include:
Leukemia
- Accounts for 28% of childhood cancers
- Incidence rate is 5.3 cases per 100,000 children per year
- Includes acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
- Accounts for 26% of childhood cancers
- Incidence rate is 5.1 cases per 100,000 children per year
Neuroblastoma
- Accounts for 7% of childhood cancers
- Incidence rate is 1.3 cases per 100,000 children per year
- Affects the peripheral nervous system
Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer)
- Accounts for 5% of childhood cancers
- Incidence rate is 0.9 cases per 100,000 children per year
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Accounts for 5% of childhood cancers
- Incidence rate is 0.9 cases per 100,000 children per year
Other common types:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Retinoblastoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
This table summarizes the most common types, along with the percentage of cases and incidence rates:
| Type of Cancer | Percent of Childhood Cancers | Incidence Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Leukemia | 28% | 5.3 |
| Brain & Spinal Tumors | 26% | 5.1 |
| Neuroblastoma | 7% | 1.3 |
| Wilms Tumor | 5% | 0.9 |
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | 5% | 0.9 |
Leukemias, brain tumors, and neuroblastoma account for over 60% of cancers in children.
What are the survival rates for the most common pediatric cancers?
Thanks to advances in treatment, survival rates for childhood cancers have improved dramatically over the past several decades. Currently, the overall 5-year survival rate for pediatric cancer is approximately 83%. However, outcomes vary significantly depending on the type of cancer:
- Leukemia – 5-year survival rate of 89%
- Brain tumors – 5-year survival rate of 74%
- Neuroblastoma – 5-year survival rate of 79%
- Wilms tumor – 5-year survival rate of 92%
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – 5-year survival rate of 88%
Survival rates are quite high for certain types like Wilms tumor, but lower for brain tumors and other difficult to treat cancers. Additional research into hard to treat pediatric cancers is critical to continue improving outcomes.
This table summarizes 5-year survival rates by cancer type:
| Type of Cancer | 5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| Leukemia | 89% |
| Brain Tumors | 74% |
| Neuroblastoma | 79% |
| Wilms Tumor | 92% |
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | 88% |
Are there differences in pediatric cancer rates by demographic factors?
Research shows some variation in pediatric cancer rates and types based on demographic factors like sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic location.
Pediatric Cancer Rates by Sex
- The overall incidence rate is slightly higher in males than females:
- Males: 19.5 cases per 100,000
- Females: 17.7 cases per 100,000
- Leukemia is more common in males
- Brain tumors are more common in males
- Neuroblastoma is slightly more common in females
- Wilms tumor is more common in females
Pediatric Cancer Rates by Race/Ethnicity
- White children have the highest incidence rates
- Black children have lower rates than white children
- Hispanic children have lower rates than white children
- Rates in Asian/Pacific Islander children are lower than whites
However, the reasons for these racial and ethnic differences are not fully understood. Access to care may play a role. Research is ongoing.
Geographic Differences
Some patterns emerge in analyzing pediatric cancer rates by state or region. For example:
- West Coast states like Washington and California have higher rates
- Southern states like Louisiana and Florida have lower rates
The causes of these geographic cancer clusters are unknown. Researchers continue to study patterns like these for potential clues into risk factors.
What are known and possible risk factors for pediatric cancer?
The causes of most childhood cancers are unknown. However, research has identified associations between some cancers and possible risk factors:
Known Risk Factors
- Ionizing radiation – radiation exposure from CT scans and x-rays may increase risk of leukemia and brain tumors
- Genetic syndromes – ex. Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Down syndrome
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy – increases risk of secondary cancers
Possible Risk Factors Under Study
- Environmental causes – pesticides, air pollution, drinking water contaminants
- Infections during pregnancy – HIV, Zika virus
- Lifestyle factors during pregnancy – nutrition, weight, smoking, alcohol use
- Electromagnetic field exposures – residence near power lines, cellular phones
- Assisted reproductive technology – link to hepatoblastoma is being researched
However, most children with cancer do not have any known preventable risk factors. More research is needed to understand causes.
Are there any interventions that can reduce pediatric cancer risk?
Because the causes of most childhood cancers are unknown, there are few primary prevention strategies available. However, the following interventions may help reduce risk:
- Minimizing radiation exposure from medical imaging when possible
- Avoiding cancer-causing infections during pregnancy through vaccinations and preventive treatments
- Following recommendations for vaccinations, nutrition, exercise, avoiding smoking/alcohol during pregnancy
- Avoiding known occupational carcinogens among parents
- Reducing air pollution and pesticide exposure when possible
Researchers continue to study whether minimizing exposure to certain chemicals, radiation sources, or other environmental hazards could reduce pediatric cancer risk. However, evidence is limited at this time.
What research efforts are focused on improving pediatric cancer prevention and treatment?
While survival rates have improved dramatically, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. Ongoing research efforts aim to further enhance prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for pediatric cancers.
Key focus areas include:
- Understanding genetic and environmental risk factors
- Developing minimally toxic, targeted therapies
- Using immunotherapy to improve the body’s own ability to fight cancer
- Reducing late effects of treatment through precision medicine
- Evaluating lifestyle interventions to improve quality of life and well-being
- Expanding access to clinical trials
Research groups like the Children’s Oncology Group and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium coordinate research and clinical trials. Government agencies like the National Cancer Institute and non-profits like St. Jude Children???s Research Hospital fund research.
Continued focus on childhood cancer research will help save lives and enhance quality of life for survivors.
What financial and social support resources are available for children with cancer and their families?
A cancer diagnosis takes an enormous toll on children and families emotionally, physically, and financially. Many support resources are available, including:
- Medical insurance – Most families utilize private insurance, Medicaid, or other state programs. Charities like the HealthWell Foundation provide financial assistance.
- In-hospital resources – Social workers, child life specialists, and mental health providers offer services.
- Cancer camps – Provides kids with fun experiences and peer support. Ex: Camp Sunshine, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
- Wish-granting organizations – Groups like Make-A-Wish help kids’ dreams come true.
- Support groups – In-person and online groups connect families facing similar challenges. Ex: CancerCare, SuperSibs.
- Non-profits – Organizations provide financial aid, transportation, lodging, etc. Ex: National Children’s Cancer Society.
- School support – Some kids can attend school in the hospital. IEP services continue at home.
Seeking support can improve quality of life for children and family well-being during treatment.
What steps can parents take if they notice potential cancer symptoms?
Many childhood cancers present with vague symptoms like fatigue, fever, pain, or weight loss. Parents noticing these or other worrisome symptoms should:
- Consult the child’s doctor – discuss symptoms and request needed referrals.
- Advocate for evaluation – if a problem persists, continue seeking medical opinions.
- Ask about diagnostic tests – bloodwork, imaging scans, or a biopsy may be required.
- Seek support early – connect with hospital social workers and support groups.
- Learn about the disease – understanding the diagnosis helps parents plan appropriate care.
- Stay positive – maintain hope and model resilience.
Though pediatric cancers are rare, parents should ensure unusual symptoms in kids are evaluated promptly, as early detection and treatment leads to better outcomes.
Conclusion
Pediatric cancer is a devastating disease impacting far too many children, though positive strides continue to be made. Survival rates are improving through research and advanced treatments. The most common childhood cancers include leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and lymphoma. While some risk factors have been identified, the causes of most pediatric cancers remain unknown. Continuing to fund research into causes and improved treatments provides hope for increasing survival and quality of life. In the meantime, supporting children and families facing cancer is imperative so they do not feel alone in their battle. Increased awareness and knowledge of pediatric cancer rates, types, risk factors, and available resources will help support and care for families confronting this diagnosis now and in the future.
