Childhood Cancers | Cancer Council Australia

Children, teens, and young adult cancers

It is a very challenging and difficult time when a child is diagnosed with cancer. The child with cancer and everyone close to him/her may go through many different feelings and emotions. First reactions may include disbelief, anger, shock, sadness and fear.

Cancer Council is committed to improving the lives of children with cancer, and their families, through practical support and research.

This information was produced in collaboration with The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service (PICS), parents and staff from the Oncology units at both The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne & Monash Children's, Monash Health, Melbourne and ONTrac, Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service.

Types of children's cancers

An overview of the most common types of childhood cancers.

Diagnosing children's cancer

Finding childhood cancers

Reactions and emotions to childhood cancer

Common reactions when a child is diagnosed with cancer.

Treating childrens cancers

Learn about the types of treatment used for children's cancers.

Life during and after childhood cancer

Day-to-day life when a child has cancer.

Talking to kids about cancer

Practical tips for talking to kids about a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer in the school community

Supporting students, staff and families.

Childhood cancer statistics in Australia

Learn more about childhood cancer statistics in Australia.

See how Cancer Council is driving research into childhood cancer

Driving research discovery in childhood cancer.

Professor Joanne Aitken, General Manager of Research, Cancer Council QLD, leads the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry, a critical Australian research tool driving major cancer research discoveries both here and overseas.

Dramatically improving survival rates for children diagnosed with leukaemia

Sixty years ago, a diagnosis of leukaemia was nearly always a death sentence for a child. Today, the vast majority of children diagnosed with leukaemia will survive their condition, thanks in part to the amazing work of researchers such as Professor Murray Norris at Children’s Cancer Institute Australia.

Helping childhood cancer survivors face the challenges of life after a cancer diagnosis

Professor Claire Wakefield is a research psychologist with a passion for helping families impacted by cancer