The treatment of cancer in children and in teenagers has also improved considerably over the last decade, especially in the subsequent quality of life of these children after treatment. Some children however, may experience permanent adverse effects. Cranial radiation in small children may damage the development of the brain, and cytostatic agents result in adverse effects influencing growth and fertility. However, we must remember that failing to give treatment to children with cancer is the most “serious” side-effect of all.

When a child suffers from cancer, the entire family is affected. Therefore, treating a child with cancer is associated with very specific demands on health care. Children must have the opportunity to continue attending school, and their parents and siblings should have the possibility to visit and stay with their child at the hospital.
To be able to meet demands of medical care and nursing for children suffering from cancer, paediatric oncology centres in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Lund, Uppsala, Umeå, and Linköping have been centralized. Initial diagnostic workups and treatment of most forms of cancer in children takes place at one of these specialised clinics.

There are two groups of cancers that predominatly afflict children, leukaemia and brain tumours (CNS). Together they constitute more than half of all cancers in children (source: NOPHO, Report on Epidemiologic and Therapeutic Results from Registries and Working Groups).