Although pediatric cancer is relatively uncommon, statistics show it is still the leading cause of fatal diseases in North American children between the ages of 1 and 14 years of age. Five of the most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia, cancers of the brain and nervous systems, neuroblastoma, lymphomas, and Wilms Tumors.

5. Wilms Tumor

Also known as nephroblastoma, this rare kidney cancer typically affects children between the ages of 3 and 4 years. Cancer statistics for pediatric patients show that this is the most common cancer of the kidneys in children* and accounts for approximately 5% of all pediatric cancer cases. Prognosis for children with this disease is improving and chances of survival are good with proper treatment.

4. Neuroblastoma

A cancer affecting the youngest of patients, 7% of infants and young children with cancer develop neuroblastoma. A neurobastoma is a malignant cancer composed of embryonic cells, most commonly found in the adrenal glands.  Childhood cancer statistics indicate this to be the most deadly solid tumor in children apart from brain cancers, according to Neuroblastoma Canada. It is also the most common cancer diagnosed before a child’s first birthday.

3. Lymphomas

The third most common type of childhood cancer is lymphoma, accounting for 8% of cases. Lymphomas affect lymphatic tissues within the body, including the spleen, tonsils, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. These cancers are subdivided into two general categories, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, based on the appearance of the malignant cells. Statistics for childhood lymphomas show that each type accounts for about 4% of pediatric cancer cases, and that about 1700 children are diagnosed with lymphoma each year in the United States.*

2. Cancers of the brain and nervous systems

Accounting for 27% of pediatric cases, cancers of the brain and nervous system are the second most common types of childhood cancers. Although it was recently thought that this number was even on the rise, the National Cancer Institute reports that the imaging studies available have just made diagnostics more accurate in finding these diseases. Statistics for childhood cancer reported by MedlinePlus show that overall about 75% of children survive at least the first five years after being diagnosed with a brain cancer, although each specific type has its own treatment and survival rate.

1. Leukemia

Pediatric cancer statistics show that of the most common types of malignancies, leukemia is the most prevalent. Of all pediatric cancer diagnoses, the American Cancer Society reports that approximately 34% of cases are leukemia, striking the bone marrow and blood of the patient. Symptoms of this disease often include bone and joint pain, increased bruising, fatigue, and generalized weakness.

Click here for more insight about childhood cancer statistics, and answers to FAQ’s about childhood cancer.