Pediatric cancer refers to cancer that develops in children and young adults. It is a relatively rare disease, with about 15,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The most common types of pediatric cancer include leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma, but there are many other types that can occur.
Pediatric cancer is different from adult cancer in several ways. Children's bodies are still developing, so their cells may respond differently to cancer treatments than adult cells. Additionally, children may experience different side effects from cancer treatments, and they may require specialized care to manage these side effects.
The causes of pediatric cancer are not fully understood, but researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Some genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of pediatric cancer.
Treatment for pediatric cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Because children's bodies are still growing and developing, doctors often take a more conservative approach to treatment than they would with adult patients, in order to minimize long-term side effects.
Survival rates for pediatric cancer have improved significantly in recent years, thanks to advances in cancer treatment and supportive care. However, many children and their families still face significant challenges during and after treatment, including long-term side effects, emotional and social impacts, and financial burdens. Ongoing research is focused on developing new and more effective treatments for pediatric cancer, as well as improving supportive care for patients and families.