Cancers in children and adolescents are often more difficult to recognize because early symptoms may be nonspecific compared to adult cancers. While most adult cancers result from lifestyle factors, the causes of childhood cancers remain unknown.
Parents should schedule regular health checkups for their children and be aware of any unusual or persisting symptoms, including:
- Unusual mass or swelling
- Unexplained paleness and/or loss of energy
- Sudden tendency to bruise
- Persistent, localized pain or limping
- Prolonged fever or illness
- Frequent headaches, often with vomiting
- Sudden eye or vision changes
- Excessive and/or rapid weight loss
Childhood cancers can be treated through a combination of therapies depending on the type and stage of cancer. For optimal care, children, including adolescents, should be diagnosed and treated by a multidisciplinary team specializing in pediatric cancers.
Pediatric Cancer Resources
Live Like Bella offers financial assistance with medical copays and basic needs such as gas, groceries, utilities and more for families affected by pediatric cancer. The organization also works closely with families to offer memorial support if needed.
Passport for Care allows pediatric cancer survivors and their health care team to support survivors’ health needs into adulthood by adapting their treatment plans.
The Childhood Cancer Project works to advance current cancer research and explore new ways to cure, control, and prevent disease by funding research that improves outcomes for children with cancer.
The Kids Cancer Foundation assists patients and their families by offering pediatric oncology patient care navigation, child enrichment programs and educational advocacy. These include family support services such as tutoring, family socials, kids’ night out events, and gift card assistance.
The Childhood Cancer Foundation in Volusia County, provides financial assistance to families of pediatric cancer patients through vouchers that pay for gas, meals, clothing, cell phone services, and more.
The Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation is a pediatric cancer charity and foundation that provides emergency financial assistance for pediatric cancer patients in need of basic necessities. The foundation serves children in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
The Children’s Cancer Center serves pediatric cancer patients and their families with emotional, financial and educational support programs, including art therapy, counseling, FLIGHT camp and more.
Learn More About Pediatric Cancer