Although childhood cancer is rare, it is still the leading cause of death by disease in children in the United States.
*Cancer is a disease in which the body’s cells grow abnormally (mutate). Normally, healthy cells grow at a steady rate. But with cancer, the cells grow out of control. With some cancers, the cells group together and form a lump of tissue called a tumor.
* The cause of childhood cancer is often unknown*
*Cancer is a disease in which the body’s cells grow abnormally (mutate). Normally, healthy cells grow at a steady rate. But with cancer, the cells grow out of control. With some cancers, the cells group together and form a lump of tissue called a tumor.
- Malignant tumors: These tumors often grow fast and destroy healthy tissue. Malignant tumors are metastatic. This means they can spread to other areas of the body.
- Benign tumors: In some cases, a tumor forms that is not cancer. This is a benign tumor. Benign tumors are locally invasive. This means they don’t spread and affect only one area of the body. But they may still need treatment.
* The cause of childhood cancer is often unknown*