Based on National Cancer Institute resources
Childhood cancer, explained for families
A cancer diagnosis is frightening at any age, and especially when the patient is a child. These plain-language guides cover the common childhood cancers, how to support your child and their siblings, returning to school, and life after treatment.
A note before you read: this is educational information, not medical advice. Children’s cancers are treated by pediatric specialists, and your child’s care team is the right source for guidance about your family’s situation. You can also reach NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.
Start here
Types of childhood cancer
Plain-language explainers on the cancers most often seen in children.
Childhood Cancer
Bone Cancer in Children: Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma
A plain-language explanation of the two main bone cancers in children and teens — osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma — and how they are treated. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children
A plain-language explanation of brain and central nervous system tumors in children — the second most common childhood cancer group — and how they are treated. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Childhood Leukemia
A plain-language explanation of leukemia in children — the most common childhood cancer — including the main types and how it is treated. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Lymphoma in Children
A plain-language explanation of lymphoma in children — cancer of the lymph system — including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Neuroblastoma
A plain-language explanation of neuroblastoma, a cancer that forms in early nerve cells and mostly affects infants and young children. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Retinoblastoma (Childhood Eye Cancer)
A plain-language explanation of retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye that mostly affects young children, and how it is treated. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Rhabdomyosarcoma
A plain-language explanation of rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, and how it is treated. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Wilms Tumor (Childhood Kidney Cancer)
A plain-language explanation of Wilms tumor, the most common kidney cancer in children, and how it is treated. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Family & school support
Talking with your child and siblings, school reentry, and caring for yourself.
Childhood Cancer
Caring for Yourself as a Parent
Plain-language guidance for parents on managing their own stress and getting support while caring for a child with cancer. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Helping Brothers and Sisters Cope
Plain-language guidance for parents on supporting the brothers and sisters of a child with cancer, who have their own worries and needs. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Returning to School After Cancer
Plain-language guidance for parents on helping a child return to school during or after cancer treatment, including planning with the school and teachers. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Talking to Your Child About Cancer
Practical, plain-language guidance for parents on how to talk with a child about their own cancer diagnosis in an age-appropriate, honest way. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Treatment & where to go
Children's cancer centers and clinical trials for children.
Childhood Cancer
Clinical Trials for Children With Cancer
A plain-language explanation of how clinical trials work for children with cancer and why they have been central to progress in childhood cancer treatment. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Where Children With Cancer Are Treated
A plain-language explanation of children's cancer centers, the specialists on a pediatric care team, and the Children's Oncology Group. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Survivorship & follow-up
Life after treatment, follow-up care, and late effects.
Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer Survivorship and Follow-Up Care
A plain-language explanation of follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors, including survivorship care plans and specialized clinics. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Childhood Cancer
Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment
A plain-language explanation of late effects — health problems that can appear months or years after childhood cancer treatment — and why follow-up care matters. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
4 min read · Beginner
Help with costs and coverage
Cancer care can be expensive. These guides explain coverage that can help many families, including Medicaid and, for some, Medicare.