Childhood cancer worldwide: the facts
- It is estimated that 400,000 children will develop cancer each year worldwide [WHO]
- Almost 90% of all new childhood cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, with a particularly high rate in the countries of western Africa [The Lancet Oncology]
- The most common types of childhood cancers include leukaemias, brain cancers, lymphomas and solid tumours, such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumours. [WHO]
- In high-income countries (UK, USA and much of Europe) more than 80% of children with cancer are cured [WHO]
- In low-income countries, childhood cancer survival is as low as 15% [WHO]
- Nearly half (43%) of all children with cancer go undiagnosed and untreated [The Lancet Oncology]
- 60%: The WHO Global target for childhood cancer survival by 2030
- The survival rate for children’s cancer [in the UK and other high-income countries] has more than doubled since the 1960s [Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group]
Since its inception in 2007, World Child Cancer has reached over 40,000 children, helping them access treatment and improved services.
But there are still many more that need our help. Find out more about how you can get involved and help even the odds for children with cancer around the world.
Naa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreRaising awareness of childhood cancer is vital if we are to improve survival and quality of life for the 400,000 children who develop cancer each year.
Discover More Stories…
Naa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreHassan’s story
14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreTiwo’s story
Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreFranklyn’s Story
Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca’s Success Story
Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read moreMy road to recovery
Prince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreEstaphanie is excited to start university!
Meet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreMeet Bulu
Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
Read moreMeet Oscar
Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor
Read more