How Childhood Cancer Affects Children and Families

Child wearing a blue headscarf, holding a stuffed bunny, and looking out the window, symbolizing the emotional impact of childhood cancer.

Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related death for children in the United States. While it is considered rare compared to adult cancers, it still affects thousands of families every year. According to the American Cancer Society, about 15,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 are diagnosed annually.

What Makes Childhood Cancer Different

Unlike cancers that typically develop later in life due to lifestyle or environmental factors, most childhood cancers are the result of changes in the DNA of growing cells. These changes are usually random and not linked to inherited risk. Because of this, prevention is not currently possible.

The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemia, brain and central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and bone cancers. Treatments often involve chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or a combination of these. Advances in research and clinical care mean that survival rates have improved significantly over the last few decades. Today, nearly 85 percent of children diagnosed with cancer survive five years or more.

The Impact on Children and Families

Treatment is often long and demanding, requiring multiple hospital visits and long stays. Children may face side effects such as fatigue, weakened immunity, and challenges with growth and development. Families also experience emotional and financial strain as they balance care, work, and daily responsibilities.

Beyond physical treatment, children need support to maintain as much normalcy as possible. Attending school, connecting with friends, and participating in play are important for social and emotional development. Families benefit when schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations work together to create a support network.

Raising Awareness Matters

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, recognized each September, highlights the importance of continued research, early diagnosis, and access to quality care. Awareness also extends to supporting survivors, as many face long-term health effects related to their cancer or its treatment. By increasing understanding, we can help break down stigma and encourage community involvement.

Resources and Organizations Making a Difference

Families in Idaho and across the country have access to support from organizations that focus on care, education, and advocacy:

How Homewatch CareGivers Can Help

Homewatch CareGivers of Idaho, can step in with practical support at home. Helping maintain routines, offering respite for parents, and providing compassionate assistance that eases day-to-day stress. Our role is simply to be another layer of support when families need it most.

Homewatch Websites:

Boise: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/boise
Twin Falls: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/twinfalls
Nampa: www.homewatchcaregovers.com/nampa
Pocatello: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/pocatello

We serve the following cities:

Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Mountain Home, Middleton, Parma, Homedale, Twin Falls, Jerome, Buhl, Kimberly, Filer, Wendell, Gooding, Pocatello, Burley, Chubbuck, American Falls, and Blackfoot.