Over 8 in 10 (82%) of children with cancer are now cured, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 (less than 30%) between 1962–1971. For some types of children’s cancer, the cure rate is much higher. [1]
To compare the results of treatments, doctors often use five or 10 year survival rates. It is estimated that there are at least 35,000 people in the UK alive having been diagnosed with a childhood cancer and survived more than five years.
Survival for teenagers’ and young adults’ cancers is also improving and has increased in the last 40 years in the UK.
- More than 8 in 10 (82-85%) of teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer in the UK survive their disease for five years or more (2001-05).
- Teenagers' and young adults' cancers survival is higher in females than males. [2]
Children's cancer statistics (Cancer Research UK)
Almost all cancers in the CYP age group are treated with curative intent in the first instance. Even in the case of relapse there are still curative protocols available for certain diseases. It is often difficult to give a specific prognosis at diagnosis, as the response to treatment is unique to each individual. As the disease progresses, conversations with the family are always taking place to ensure they are aware of the potential outcomes. There are very few diseases that are known to be incurable from the outset, however if this is the case it will be discussed in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting with all relevant professionals. Frank discussion then will follow with the family.
Prognosis is influenced by many factors such as:
- MRD (minimal residual disease)
- Diagnosis
- Histological subtype
- Location of the primary tumour
- Stage (similar to metastasis)
- Metastasis
- Response to initial treatment
- Age
- Sex
- Any underlying pre-disposition to cancer
If further information about a specific patient is required, please contact the patient’s Key Worker (KW) who is usually their Paediatric Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist (POONS) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
References
[1] Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (2014) Children and Young People with Cancer: A Parent’s Guide. www.cclg.org.uk
[2]Cancer Research UK (2013). Cancer Statistics Data table: Teenage and Young Adult Cancer survival , UK, 2000-2009. Accessed 22/02/16 http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/teenagers-and-young-adults-cancers#heading-zero