Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Every day, 47 children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer and the average age of diagnosis is 8. Cancer affects all ethnic, gender, and socio-economic groups and more than 40,000 children undergo treatment for cancer each year.
Source: Source: Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Miller D, Brest A, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2018, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, (seer.cancer.gov) based on November 2020 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2021.
The causes of childhood cancers are largely unknown, and for the most part they cannot be prevented. A few conditions, such as Down syndrome, other specific chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, and ionizing radiation exposures, explain a small percentage of cases. Children with AIDS have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, predominantly non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma.
View our other childhood cancer statistics charts and graphics:
Incidence Rates Over Time
Childhood Cancer Deaths Per Year
5-Year Survival Rate
Average Years of Life Lost to Cancer
Infographics