Childhood and adolescent cancer statistics, 2014

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Epidemiology
• Public Health Statistics

Background:

• Cancer is a significant health concern for children and adolescents.
• Accurate statistics on pediatric cancer are crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
• Data from multiple sources are needed for a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide updated estimates of new cancer cases and deaths in US children and adolescents for 2014.
• To summarize recent data on pediatric cancer incidence, mortality, and survival.
• To inform healthcare providers about the prevalence and management of pediatric cancers and survivors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries.
• Included high-quality data from 45 states and the District of Columbia, covering 90% of the US population.
• Analyzed incidence, mortality, and survival rates for individuals aged birth to 19 years.

Main Results:

• An estimated 15,780 new cancer cases and 1960 deaths were projected for children and adolescents in 2014.
• The annual cancer incidence rate was 186.6 per 1 million children (birth to 19 years).
• Approximately 1 in 285 children are diagnosed with cancer before age 20, and 1 in 530 young adults are childhood cancer survivors.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric cancer impacts a significant number of young individuals.
• Most pediatric and primary care practices will encounter children with cancer or childhood cancer survivors.
• Comprehensive understanding of risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and long-term effects is essential for patient care.