Evidence-based information from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Cancer Institute

The word “cancer” can be frightening when we hear it in connection with a child.

But there is something important every parent should know: childhood cancer is rare. And although some of its symptoms can look like common childhood illnesses, recognizing symptoms that persist or get worse can help a child receive medical attention when needed.

The good news is that treatments for childhood cancer have improved tremendously. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), more than 80% of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer survive long term, and some types of childhood cancer have even higher survival rates.

First: What Is Cancer?

Our bodies are made up of millions of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an organized way.

Cancer happens when some cells develop changes that cause them to grow and multiply without control.

There are many different types of childhood cancer. Some of the more common include:

• Leukemia, which affects the cells that make blood.
• Brain and central nervous system tumors.
• Lymphomas, which affect the lymphatic system.
• Soft tissue tumors.
• Bone cancers, such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
• Neuroblastoma, a cancer that usually begins in immature nerve cells.
• Wilms tumor, which primarily affects the kidneys.
• Retinoblastoma, which affects the retina of the eye.

The AAP identifies leukemia, brain and central nervous system tumors, and lymphomas as the most common groups of cancers in children and adolescents.

Why Does Cancer Develop in a Child?

This is one of the hardest questions for any family.

In most cases, we don’t know exactly why a child develops cancer.

Unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancer is generally not related to lifestyle choices.

It does not mean that parents did something wrong.

Scientists know that cancer can begin when changes, called mutations, occur in genes that control how cells grow.

Some of these changes can be inherited. However, the National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 8–10% of childhood cancers are associated with inherited genetic changes. Most of the genetic changes involved in childhood cancer develop during a child’s growth and are not inherited from the parents.

In other words:

Most parents of children with cancer did nothing to cause their child’s cancer.

Certain genetic conditions can increase a child’s risk of developing specific cancers. This is why, when there is a significant family history of cancer, your pediatrician may ask detailed questions about relatives and, in some cases, consider genetic counseling or testing.

What Are the Warning Signs?

This is where parents can play an important role.

The American Academy of Pediatrics describes several symptoms that should be discussed with a pediatrician when they are persistent, unexplained, or getting worse.

Some warning signs include:

🩸 Unexplained bruising or bleeding

Bruises that appear very easily, frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding, or small red or purple spots on the skin may need evaluation, especially when they occur along with other symptoms.

🌡️ Fever that doesn’t go away

A single fever is usually caused by something common, such as an infection. But persistent or recurrent fever without a clear explanation should be evaluated.

😴 Extreme tiredness or low energy

If a child who normally plays and participates in activities becomes unusually tired, pale, or has very little energy, it is important to pay attention.

⚖️ Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying to, especially when it happens quickly or occurs along with other symptoms, should be discussed with the pediatrician.

🦴 Persistent pain

Pain that continues for weeks or does not have an obvious explanation, particularly bone or joint pain, should be evaluated.

🔵 Persistent swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are extremely common in children and usually occur because of an infection. However, a lymph node that persists, continues to grow, or has unusual characteristics may need further evaluation.

🧠 Frequent or persistent headaches

Headaches are common in children and usually do not mean cancer.

However, a new or persistent headache accompanied by vomiting, vision changes, balance problems, or other neurological changes should be evaluated.

👁️ Changes in the eyes or vision

A sudden change in vision, an eye that begins to turn, swelling of one or both eyes, or a white reflection in the pupil should be evaluated promptly.

🫃 A lump or unusual swelling

A lump or growth that appears without an obvious explanation and persists or continues to grow should be examined by a healthcare professional.

But Does One of These Symptoms Mean My Child Has Cancer?

No.

And this may be the most important message in this entire article.

Children have infections, bruises, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, and muscle aches all the time.

The vast majority of these symptoms have causes that are much more common than cancer.

The AAP explains that early symptoms of childhood cancer can look like everyday childhood illnesses. A single symptom by itself is much less likely to represent cancer. What is more concerning is when symptoms persist, get worse, or occur together with other signs.

So, we don’t want parents to panic every time their child has a fever or a bruise.

We want parents to learn how to recognize when something doesn’t seem normal for their child.

What Will the Pediatrician Do If They Are Concerned?

The first step is a thorough evaluation.

Your pediatrician will ask about the symptoms, how long they have been present, whether they are getting worse, and whether there are any other symptoms.

The pediatrician will also perform a physical examination and ask about the child’s medical and family history.

Depending on what is found, blood tests, imaging studies, or other tests may be needed.

If there is a genuine concern for cancer, the pediatrician may refer the child to a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, a specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating childhood cancer.

It is important to remember that needing blood work or additional testing does not mean a child has cancer. Many times, these tests help identify a much more common cause of the symptoms.

How Is Childhood Cancer Treated?

There is no single treatment for all childhood cancers.

Treatment depends on the type of cancer, where it is located, whether it has spread, and the child’s individual circumstances.

Treatment may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapies
• Or a combination of several treatments

Children with cancer are usually treated by specialized pediatric oncology teams. The AAP emphasizes that advances in diagnosis and treatment have greatly improved survival for children with cancer.

What Can Parents Do?

We cannot prevent most childhood cancers.

But we can do something very important:

Know your child.

Parents are often the first people to notice when something changes.

If your child normally runs, plays, and has lots of energy, but suddenly seems tired all the time…

If your child normally eats well but begins losing weight without explanation…

If unexplained bruising or bleeding appears…

If pain continues and doesn’t improve…

Talk to your pediatrician.

Not because we should assume it is cancer, but because persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve an explanation.Regular Pediatric Visits Matter

Well-child visits are not just about vaccines or measuring how much your child has grown.

They are an opportunity to evaluate growth, development, nutrition, behavior, and overall health—and to give parents a chance to discuss any changes they have noticed.

The AAP recommends regular pediatric visits and encourages families to contact their pediatrician when symptoms persist or get worse.

A Message for Parents ❤️

Talking about childhood cancer does not mean living in fear.

It means being informed.

Childhood cancer is rare. Most of the symptoms discussed in this article have much more common and less serious causes.

But when something doesn’t go away, gets worse, or simply doesn’t seem normal for your child, don’t ignore your concern.

Your pediatrician is there to listen, evaluate, and help you find answers.

At Little Miracles Pediatrics, we believe that information shouldn’t create fear. It should give parents the tools they need to take better care of their children.

If you have concerns about your child’s health, talk with your pediatrician.