Childhood Cancers
| Version for teenagers |
| Version for younger children |
Cancer in childhood is very rare and it affects only 1 in every 650 children. The cure rate for childhood cancer is 65%. Cancer or a tumour can affect any part of the body - your blood, muscle, bone, and every cell.
This page is designed for older children, teenagers and young adults. If you find it too difficult you can go to the version for younger children.
Cancer occurs when the cells in the body multiply too quickly. When this happens, your cells stop working properly. As the number of them increase they cause a lump or tumour to occur.
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer there are many terms and phrases you will hear. You will also have to undergo a number of test and investigations. The following notes and links will help you understand what will be happening to you and the meaning of the words used by the doctors and nurses.
You can also find out information from the paediatric information booklets (in English). Staff at The Royal Marsden NHS Trust have produced these booklets for parents and other adults.
