Information on the most common types of cancers in children
The most common types of cancers that happen in children are different from those seen in adults. The information below gives an overview of the more common types of childhood cancer and where you can find additional information and support.
Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours
What types are there?
There are two main types of childhood brain and central nervous system tumours:
- gliomas (astrocytomas and ependymomas)
- medulloblastoma.
Brain tumours can be either primary (the tumour starts to grow in the brain) or secondary (more commonly called brain or cerebral metastases), which happen when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the brain.
What treatments are available?
The main treatment used for childhood brain and CNS tumours is surgery, where possible, often followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy after the operation.
For more information about individual treatments refer to our section on treating childhood cancers.
More information
- Read Cancer Council Victoria’s section about Caring for a child with a brain tumour
- You can also call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Bone cancers (including Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma)
What types are there?
The two most common types of bone cancer seen in children are:
- osteosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
More information
- Download our fact sheet, Primary bone cancer
- Visit Cancer Australia’s Children’s cancer page
- You can also call 13 11 20 for more information and support.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from nerve tissue that is normally present around the chest, abdomen and adrenal glands, found above the kidneys.
What treatments are available?
The main treatment used for childhood neuroblastoma is surgery to remove the tumour, in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Newer treatments such as biotherapy and nuclear medicine are being researched to help treat children with neuroblastomas.
For more information about individual treatments refer to our section on treating childhood cancers.
More information
Call 13 11 20 for more information and support. You may also like to visit the following websites for further information about neuroblastomas:
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer in children. It is a tumour that affects the retina (the light-sensitive lining of the eye).
What types are there?
They are two forms of retinoblastoma:
- heritable form
- non-heritable form (unilateral)
More information
- Rare Cancers Australia
- You can also call 13 11 20 for more information and support.
Wilm’s tumours
Wilms tumours are sometimes called nephroblastomas. They are a type of kidney cancer.
More information
- Visit the Children’s Cancer Centre
- Rare Cancers Australia
- You can also call 13 11 20 for more information and support.
Germ cell tumours
What types are there?
Germ cell tumours develop from the cells that produce eggs and sperm.
More information
- Macmillan Cancer Support information on germ cell tumours
- You can also call 13 11 20 for more information and support.
13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line
Our 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line can provide anyone affected by cancer with confidential, accurate information and support on any cancer-related concerns. Our cancer nurses can also inform you of services and programs.
If you prefer, you can email us on questions@cancerwa.asn.au or complete the form below and one of our 13 11 20 team members will respond to your enquiry.
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