Paediatrics
Paediatrics - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| Adolescents with Cancer, Paediatric Malignancies |
| The types of cancers that occur in children vary greatly from those seen in adults. Although there are exceptions, childhood cancers tend to respond better to chemotherapy. Children also tolerate chemotherapy better than adults. |
| Most common cancers in children |
| Leukaemias, brain and other nervous system tumours, lymphomas (lymph tissue cancers), bone cancers, soft tissue sarcomas (for example cancer of muscle or cartilage), kidney cancers, eye cancers, and adrenal gland cancers are the most common cancers in children. Brain tumours and lymphomas affecting children are different to adult cancers. Things that cause adult cancer such as smoking and chemicals aren’t obvious causes of children’s cancers. Children’s cancers occur in different parts of the body than adult cancers. They look different under the microscope and respond differently to treatment. How children’s cancers grow and develop is another difference between adults and children. Children’s organ systems are not fully developed and this often has important effects on treatment. Cure rates for children’s cancers are higher than those of adults. |
| For more information on children with cancer, cancer types and service, go to Paediatric/Late Affects Services. |
Useful Links |
| Child & Youth Adult Health [Website] >> |
