Childhood Cancer Research
Help back the next breakthrough
Childhood Cancer at a Glance
Cancer remains one of the leading cause of death among children 0-14 years. This is why we desperately need more research on childhood cancers.
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Continued research is critical to improving outcomes - Cure Cancer supports the work of emerging researchers investigating new ways to detect, understand and treat all cancer types, including childhood cancer.
Our Childhood Cancer Research
“Childhood cancer is considered rare, and so research is underfunded by both the government and pharma companies. But if we consider the impact that cancer has on children with their entire lives in front of them, and the impact on their families, childhood cancer patients cannot be considered less worthy of support."
- A/Prof Orazio Vittorio, a Cure Cancer grant recipient
Some of our Childhood Cancer Researchers
A/Prof Laurence Cheung
A/Prof Orazio Vittorio
Dr Ben Wylie
Breakthroughs in Childhood Cancer Research
Early-Career funding fuels Neuroblastoma Breakthrough
The research, recently published in Nature Communications, reveals that a repurposed drug, currently used to treat Wilson’s disease, could significantly improve survival rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma—from 10% to 50%.
Our Childhood Cancer Stories
A/Prof Orazio Vittorio's wish as a father
Why Research Funding Matters
Many of Australia's leading cancer researchers received funding from Cure Cancer at the earliest stages of their careers. Some have gone on to make discoveries recognised around the world.
Emerging researchers drive the breakthroughs that shape how cancer is understood and treated - but early-career funding is scarce and highly competitive. Every donation helps Cure Cancer back the next generation of researchers in Australia, across all cancer types.
How Your Donation Helps
$75
Can help fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can help fund lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Learn more about Childhood Cancer
What is childhood cancer?
The types of cancers that occur in children and the way they respond to treatment can be different from cancers that occur in adolescents or adults. Some types of childhood cancer tend to appear in very young children and others in older children.
In 2024, an estimated 762 children aged 0–14 were diagnosed with cancer, with almost half diagnosed before age 5 (44%)*. Survival has increased substantially over time but continues to vary by cancer type.
Cancer remains one of the leading cause of death among children 0-14 years.
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Unfortunately, it is still considered a rare cancer and is often an underfunded area of research. New data systems for childhood cancer are necessary to achieve better patient outcomes, improve quality of care, and inform decision-making bodies in public health.
What are the risks associated with childhood cancer?
Age is not really considered a risk factor, although it has been noted that the incidence of some cancers varies with age. Family history is also important to note because a few childhood cancers run in families. Some chronic infections such as malaria and HIV have been known to increase a child’s risk of cancer, while other infections have been known to increase a child’s risk of developing cancer as an adult. Vaccinations against hepatitis B and HPV help prevent cancer of the liver and cervical cancer respectively.
What are the types of childhood cancer?
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Leukaemia
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Brain and other central nervous system tumours
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Hodgkin lymphoma
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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
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Neuroblastoma
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Soft tissue sarcoma
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Kidney tumours
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Melanoma
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Bone tumours
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Gem cell tumours
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Retinoblastoma
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Liver tumours
What are the common symptoms of childhood cancer?
Cancer in children can be difficult to detect and diagnose, so it is important to have regular checkups with the GP. Childhood cancer has been associated with a wide range of symptoms that may include:
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Fever
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Severe headaches
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Blurred vision
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Unusual bumps and swelling
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Easy bruising
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Bone pain
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Weight loss
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Fatigue
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Loss of energy and appetite
Screening for children is generally not beneficial although it differs in some cases. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential so that it can be treated promptly.
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