December 17, 2025

Paediatric cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop in children or adolescents and are often different from those found in adults. While they are relatively rare, childhood cancers still remain one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide. Early detection, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment are crucial to improving survival rates and long-term patient outcomes. In the blog below, we will shed light on the various types of paediatric cancers, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options to ensure a quick and complete recovery. Let’s begin!

​What is Paediatric Cancer (Childhood Cancer)?

Paediatric cancer, also commonly known as childhood cancer, is a group of cancers that is more likely to affect children and adolescents. These cancers vary in terms of their origin, progression, as well as response to treatment. Research shows that, out of a million children in India, over a hundred are diagnosed with childhood cancer each year. Such cases require extra care, attention, and continuous medical monitoring and support to ensure positive treatment outcomes.

​Common symptoms of childhood cancer include fatigue, weight loss, pale skin, weakness, and constant fever. Although these symptoms may appear common, they can indicate serious health concerns if they persist for a prolonged period. Seeking immediate medical help and consultation is extremely crucial in such situations, as early diagnosis and treatment play a critical role in promoting smooth recovery.

​Common Types of Childhood Cancer

The majority of paediatric cancers occur due to mutations (DNA changes) that take place very early on in children’s lives. This is also the main reason why there aren’t many known ways to prevent such cancers. Some of the most common types of paediatric cancers seen among children are as follows:

Leukemia

A large proportion of children diagnosed with paediatric cancer are affected by leukemia. It is a type of blood cancer in which the body’s bone marrow produces abnormally high numbers of immature white blood cells, known as lymphocytes. These abnormal cells affect the body’s ability to fight infections and deliver oxygen to all organs appropriately. Leukemia is considered to be one of the most common blood cancers and requires early diagnosis and interventions for effective results.

Lymphoma

Similar to Leukemia, lymphoma too is a type of blood cancer that is found in 1/3rd of the children diagnosed with paediatric cancers. Lymphoma begins in the lymph system and is divided into two main types, which include Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

After blood cancers, brain and spinal cord tumours are the second most common type of childhood cancers. These cancers occur when abnormal cells begin to grow in the brain or spinal cord, which can affect a child’s movement, balance, vision, and other essential bodily functions. As the brain and spinal cord together form the central nervous system, tumors in these areas can interfere with neurological development and require specialised medical evaluation and treatment.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, mostly in the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. These tumours can also form in the neck, abdomen, chest, or spine. Studies show that neuroblastoma takes up roughly 5-6% of the total childhood cancer diagnoses.

Wilms Tumor

Majorly affecting children below the age of seven, Wim’s tumour is one of the most common types of renal cancers. Unlike adult kidney cancers, childhood kidney cancers have a high cure rate and can be easily treated with proper medications and care.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that affects the retina of the eye, usually at a very young age. It most commonly occurs in children below the age of five and may go unnoticed during the early stages. When the cancer affects both eyes, it is often detected earlier; however, if it involves only one eye, diagnosis may be delayed.

​Causes & Symptoms of Paediatric Cancer

Genetic mutations are the primary cause of cancer. Among adults, mutations tend to take place due to overexposure to harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, chemicals, etc. However, in childhood cancers, that isn’t quite the case. Scientists to date are trying to find out the reason that causes mutations and thereby the production of cancerous cells in the body.

​As far as symptoms are concerned, most signs of paediatric cancer can resemble those of common childhood illnesses, making timely diagnosis a challenge. Therefore, it is important to note that any symptoms that persist for long could indicate major health conditions and may require immediate doctor consultation. Listed below are some of the common paediatric cancer symptoms found in children.

• Unexplained loss of weight.
• Constant headaches.
• Swelling or persistent pain in the joints and muscles.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Recurring fever.
• Constant tiredness.
• Excessive bruising or rashes.

In cases where the symptoms seem to escalate quickly, immediate access to a reliable ambulance service is crucial to ensure rapid transfer and timely medical intervention for kids.

​Diagnosis & Treatment of Paediatric Cancer

Most often, cancers in children are diagnosed at later stages, mainly because the symptoms resemble those of any other childhood illnesses. This makes identifying paediatric cancers an ever-challenging task, especially at their initial stages. In most cases, paediatric cancers in children are found either while testing for different illnesses or when a parent or family doctor notices certain abnormal symptoms in the child. Some of the common tests used to diagnose childhood cancer include blood tests, imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, or even a biopsy if there’s a lump involved.

​According to recent studies, childhood cancers tend to respond better to treatments as compared to those cancers that affect adults. This results in higher survival rates and positive patient outcomes. Some of the primary treatment methods used for paediatric cancers include the following:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is known to work better on childhood cancers. In this treatment, drugs are used to kill the cancerous cells. As compared to radiation therapy, chemo works better on fast-growing cancers, and therefore it is recommended as the top treatment of paediatric cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: It is a highly powerful treatment method and is only used in certain severe cases. In this treatment, a machine delivers radiation that targets and destroys the cancerous cells in the body.
• Targeted Therapies: This therapy targets the specific gene mutations in the cells rather than attacking the entire cell, thereby providing a more selective treatment. The only downside of this treatment is that it leads to a number of side effects and therefore isn’t much opted for.
• Immunotherapy: Such therapies enable the body’s immune system to fight the cancer better. One of the known immunotherapies is the CAR T-cell therapy that is used in some cases of leukemia.

​Conclusion

Managing paediatric cancer can be challenging without proper awareness, timely diagnosis, and specialised medical treatment. Furthermore, dependable emergency medical support plays a critical role in ensuring timely access to healthcare, especially during urgent and unforeseen situations. At Zenplus Private Limited, we provide reliable emergency medical transportation and ambulance services, helping ensure timely access to appropriate care when it matters most. Paediatric cancers, though rare, can be life-threatening, and we’re here to help you along the way. Your health is our priority.

​FAQs

1. Are childhood cancers caused by diet or lifestyle?

Childhood cancers aren’t caused either by diet or lifestyle factors, but rather by genetic mutations that often take place very early in life, sometimes even before birth.

2. Is all chemotherapy in children highly toxic?

No, while chemotherapy does have its own side effects, the chemotherapy used for kids is carefully balanced to ensure complete effectiveness and safety, without much toxicity.

3. What are the ‘Late Effects’ of paediatric cancer treatment?

Late effects of paediatric cancer treatment are long-term issues that may appear months or years after treatment. They can affect growth, organs, or even fertility. However, with timely follow-up and care, they can be managed effectively.