Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - Information about childhood cancers

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. There are about 1,800 children diagnosed with cancer every year across the UK. We don't know why some children get cancer, but this blog will hopefully explain a bit about childhood cancers.

Types of cancer children get
A childhood diagnosis of cancer is very rare. Roughly 1 in 500 children get cancer (about 0.2%). It is thought that a GP might see 1 case of childhood cancer every 20 years. Childhood cancers tend to affect different parts of the body than adult cancers. They look different under a microscope and respond differently to treatment. The cure rate of childhood cancers keeps getting better and better and is now over 82%.

If your child is diagnosed with cancer, a specialist will give you more detailed information. Below is a diagram from Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). It shows the most common types of cancer children get: 

You can have a look at their website for more details about different types of childhood cancers.

Does my child have cancer?
It’s really hard to come up with a list of symptoms for childhood cancers as they all vary and are more likely to be associated with more common childhood illnesses. But if you are worried about your child, it’s important you see your GP. 

See your GP if your child:

• is very tired and lethargic all the time
• has lots of infections
• has flu-like symptoms that don't go away
• has unexplained aches and pains that don't go away, especially in the bones, joints, back or legs
• has unexplained fever or sweating.
• has an unexplained new limp or leg weakness
• has a lump or unusual firmness anywhere on the body, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits
• is losing a lot of weight for no reason.

Some types of cancer, such as brain tumours, can be very hard to diagnose. For symptoms of a brain tumour, have a look at the HeadSmart website.

Having a child affected by cancer
When you are first told your child has cancer you may feel numb and confused. You may not even be able to remember much about your child’s diagnosis. You might feel overwhelmed by powerful and painful emotions. This is totally normal and understandable. Remember your child’s healthcare team are there to help you. Don’t be frightened to talk about how you feel. You can also call our cancer help specialists 0808 808 00 00.

We have more information for people living with a child affected by cancer provided by CCLG on our website.

The Online Community has a forum for parents of children with cancer. 

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We're with you every step of the way

The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.

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