Common Childhood Cancers

Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells in the body grow out of control. Some cancers form growths called tumors, but not all tumors are cancerous. Benign (noncancerous) tumors can often be removed and, unlike malignant (cancerous) tumors, are rarely a threat to life. Cancer is life-threatening because it can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). The most common childhood cancers are:

• Leukemia — cancer of the white blood cells
• Lymphoma — cancer of the lymph nodes
• Brain tumors — cancer that can be found in many parts of the brain
• Osteosarcoma — bone cancer

It is very important to talk calmly, honestly and openly to your child about his or her illness. Depending on your child's age, he or she will be able to understand varying amounts of information. Below are some general guidelines by age group; however, every child is different, and the guidelines for your child's age group might not be appropriate for your child. Be sure to allow for this.

• Children up to 2 years of age cannot understand cancer. They may cry or seem uncooperative during examinations or treatments. Provide comfort and let them know it is okay to cry when something, such as a needle stick, hurts.
• Two- to 7-year-olds might think that their illness is a punishment for something they have done, said or thought. Explain that this is not true, and that treatments and tests are to help get rid of the cancer and make them well. You may want to tell them that cancer is "bad" cells and that treatment helps "good" cells win.
• Seven- to 12-year-olds can understand more details about cancer and can grasp that getting treatment and going to the doctor can help them get better, even though the treatments may cause temporary pain and discomfort.
• Children 12 years and older usually can understand that cancer causes symptoms, such as feeling tired. Explain in detail how their treatment can help them and how medicines work to make them eventually feel better.
• Children with cancer may have a lot of questions about their illness but might be afraid to ask. Talk to your child's doctor and make sure you understand the treatment and side effects from the beginning so you can explain these to your child. Provide lots of love and support and answer questions honestly.

National Cancer Institute
(800) 422-6237
www.nci.nih.gov

American Cancer Society
(800) 227-2345
www.cancer.org

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
(800) 366-2223
www.candlelighters.org

Inform Yourself

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at www.jama.com.

Related JAMA Patient Page:

• JAMA Patient Page: Leukemia (August 22/29, 2001)
• JAMA Patient Page: Lymphoma (April 11, 2001)

Sources: American Cancer Society, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Nemours Foundation

Lise M. Stevens, M.A., Writer
Cassio Lynm, M.A., Illustrator
Richard M. Glass, M.D., Editor

(JAMA. 2002; 287:1894)
Published in JAMA: April 10, 2002