Childhood cancer impacts thousands of children in the United States each year. While cancer in a child is rare compared to adults, the disease can strike, and cause unspeakable heartbreak in families.
Last year, doctors diagnosed about 9,600 children between birth and 14 years old with cancer. An additional 5,900 adolescents between 15 and 19 also were diagnosed with the disease. Nearly 1,600 children and adolescents died from cancer last year.
The Children’s Cancer Cause said cancer cases in children have stabilized since 2015. However, cases among adolescents continue to rise about 1 percent each year.
Childhood cancer is not one disease. There are more than 12 types of pediatric cancers and more than 100 subtypes. Leukemia and brain cancer are the most common types of cancer in children.
Progress in Treatments
Researchers say there has been great progress in treating childhood cancers. The American Cancer Society says about 85% of children with cancer now survives 5 years or more. This is a vast improvement since the 1970s when the 5-year survival rate was only about 58%. Still, survival rates depend on the type of cancer and other factors.
Doctors say most cancers in children happen because of a mutation in a youngster’s DNA. This often occurs early in a child’s life. In some cases, the DNA changes before birth.
Local Connections
Locally two car dealerships in the county help support families experiencing childhood cancer. Both Fitzgerald Hyundai in Rockville and Gaithersburg donate money from vehicle sales to the nonprofit Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Since its inception in 1998, the nationwide fund has raised $277 million for cancer research.
