Types of Cancer in Children

Types of Cancer in Children

 

Cancer is a disease that affects people of all ages, including children. While cancer is rare in children, it is important to be aware of the different types that can occur. This is because childhood cancer—also referred to as pediatric cancer and child cancer—can be even more dangerous than adult cancer, since children are still growing and their bodies are not fully developed. Let’s look at some of the most common types of childhood cancer:

 

  • Leukemia - One of the most common types of cancer in children is leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and it accounts for about 30% of all childhood cancers. Symptoms of leukemia include fatigue, easy bruising, and anemia. 

 

  • Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors - Another common type of cancer in children is brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. These tumors can occur in various parts of the brain and spinal cord and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and changes in vision. 

 

  • Neuroblastoma - Another type of cancer that affects children is neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from nerve cells. It is most commonly found in the adrenal gland, but it can also occur in the neck, chest, or abdomen. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, a lump in the abdomen, and bone pain. 

 

  • Wilms Tumor - A Wilms tumor is another type of childhood cancer that affects the kidneys, primarily in children under the age of five. Symptoms can include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine, and fever. 

 

  • Retinoblastoma - Finally, another type of cancer that affects children is retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. It usually affects children under the age of five and can cause symptoms such as a white pupil, crossed eyes, and a change in the color of the iris. 

 

These are a few of the most common types of cancer in children, but there are many other kinds that can develop. Cancer in children is rare but it's important to be aware of the different types that can occur and the early signs of cancer in children.

 

In general, cancer treatment for children is similar to that for adults, but it is often tailored to the specific needs of the child and the type of cancer they have. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. It is important to work closely with a pediatric oncologist, who is specially trained to treat children with cancer. Doing so will provide the best chance for the child with cancer to survive and overcome the disease.

 

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) continues to provide humanitarian aid and medical relief to children and their families—some of whom are refugees fleeing their home countries—through our Lebanon nursery refugee nutritional program, pediatric cancer departments, humanitarian aid programs and projects, pediatric mental health initiatives, hospital infrastructure projects, orphan and refugee sponsorships, medical sponsorships, treatment abroad program, and medical missions. These efforts help to ensure that children in need get the vital assistance they require.

 

PCRF has a committee of volunteer doctors and specialists on our Medical Advisory Board who are dedicated to building up services through training, programs, and guiding PCRF to improve the quality of pediatric care in Palestine.


PCRF is not a political or religious organization. Our mission is to provide medical and humanitarian relief collectively and individually to Arab children throughout the Middle East, regardless of their nationality, politics, or religion. We rely on charitable giving to provide medical treatment, surgeries, safety, shelter, and support to children and their families in Palestine and the Levant. Find out how you can get involved and help make a difference in children’s lives today!