What Is Childhood Cancer?
Childhood cancer refers to a group of diseases caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in children and adolescents. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are rarely linked to lifestyle or environmental factors. They are often aggressive, fast-growing, and require intensive treatment.
4%
Only ~4% of federal cancer research funding is dedicated to childhood cancer.
15%
Sarcomas account for ~15% of all childhood cancers, yet remain among the most underfunded.
1 in 285
1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before age 20.
2 in 3
Nearly 2 out of 3 childhood cancer survivors experience at least one long-term side effect from treatment.
Childhood Cancer Awareness
Understanding Sarcomas
What Are Sarcomas?
Sarcomas are a rare group of cancers that develop in bones and soft tissues such as muscles, connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels, and fat. They most often affect children, adolescents, and young adults and can be aggressive in nature.
Because sarcomas are rare and highly diverse, they are often difficult to recognize and diagnose. Early symptoms may resemble common injuries, growing pains, or benign masses, which can lead to delays in diagnosis. Accurate identification typically requires advanced imaging, biopsy, and specialized pathology review.
Sarcomas vary widely in location, behavior, and response to treatment, meaning no two cases are exactly alike. This complexity makes treatment challenging and underscores the importance of specialized care and ongoing research—especially for relapsed or refractory disease, where treatment options are limited
Types of Pediatric Sarcomas
Some of the most common sarcomas affecting children and young adults include:
– Ewing’s Sarcoma
– Osteosarcoma
– Rhabdomyosarcoma
– Synovial Sarcoma
Why Sarcomas Are Different
Unlike more common childhood cancers, sarcomas vary widely in location, behavior, and response to treatment. This complexity makes them particularly challenging for researchers and clinicians.
Sarcomas often:
– Require intensive, multi-modal treatment
– Have a higher risk of recurrence
– Offer fewer targeted therapies
Understanding Sarcomas
Why Research Matters
Sarcomas represent a small percentage of childhood cancers, yet their impact is profound. Limited funding has slowed progress, leaving many families with few options when standard treatments fail.
Research is critical to:
– Develop targeted and less toxic therapies
– Improve outcomes for relapsed and refractory disease
– Enhance quality of life for survivors
Advancing sarcoma research means giving children and families hope beyond today’s treatment options.
15,780
Children and adolescents under 20 years in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.
1,500
Children in the United States die from cancer each year, making it the leading cause of disease-related death in children.
70+
Distinct subtypes of sarcoma have been identified, affecting both bone and soft tissue.
Less than 25%
Five-year survival rates for relapsed Ewing’s sarcoma range from approximately 20–30%, depending on timing and extent of relapse.
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