What to know about cancer in children

the-star.co.ke · Feb 21, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Cancer in children remains a major global health challenge, affecting families across every region of the world. Each year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer, underscoring the scale of the burden. Despite advances in medicine, cancer continues to rank among the leading causes of death among children worldwide.Outcomes, however, differ sharply depending on where a child lives. In high-income countries, survival rates now exceed 80 per cent for many childhood cancers, reflecting access to early diagnosis, specialised treatment, and comprehensive care. In contrast, survival in many low- and middle-income countries remains below 30 per cent. Limited healthcare resources, delayed diagnosis, and restricted access to medicines and technologies contribute to this gap.Unlike many adult cancers, most childhood cancers cannot be prevented. Routine screening is also uncommon, making early and accurate diagnosis critical. Recognising symptoms promptly and ensuring timely medical evaluation can significantly improve survival chances.Treatment for childhood cancers typically involves a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. These treatments have helped transform many childhood cancers from fatal conditions into largely treatable diseases when detected early.