Childhood cancers is rare and affects a minority of children in the U.S. and worldwide. Over the years, researchers have been discovering more about its causes. They have found links between childhood cancer and certain genetic conditions, medical conditions, and environmental factors (like radiation exposure).
Learning how childhood cancer works and its causes can help experts develop more effective treatments with fewer side effects. A better understanding of this type of cancer can also help families make the right medical decisions for cancer‐affected children and teens.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with affordable coverage from Aflac.
While most cancers in adults have known causes and risk factors, many childhood cancers do not. However, over the years researchers have identified some risk factors for cancer in children, including:
As the risk factors and direct causes of childhood cancer are hard to pin down, there are no effective ways to screen for or prevent most childhood cancers. That said, medical advances have resulted in more effective cancer treatments for children. Children may also respond better to some treatments than adults do.
Thanks to modern medicine and clinical trials, the outlook for most childhood cancers is much better today than it once was. In the mid‐1970s, around 58% of children (aged 0 to 14 years) and 68% of teenagers (ages 15 to 19 years) diagnosed with cancer survived at least 5 years.1 By 2011 through 2017, the survival odds improved substantially for these groups as around 84.7% of children and 85.9% of adolescents with cancer survived at least 5 years. The 5‐year survival rate for children with cancer is high.1
Upon completing treatment for childhood cancer, it’s essential to continue monitoring your child's health with routine follow‐up care. This care includes regular medical check‐ups to ensure that there is no recurrence of cancer, managing potential long‐term side effects, and providing psychological support to aid in the transition back to everyday life.1 You should also keep an open line of communication with your child's medical team, as they can provide valuable guidance on the road to recovery and help navigate any challenges that may arise.
Cancer treatments, tests, and related medical services can create financial burdens for families. Luckily, you can get help navigating medical costs using a combination of the following:
Since childhood cancers can be unpredictable, it’s important for parents and guardians of children to be vigilant about symptoms and early indications. Parents of children with persistent symptoms or a genetic predisposition to cancer should be better prepared to seek out expert opinions.
Having a cancer insurance policy can help make the journey easier and help lift some of the financial burden you may face. Aflac cancer insurance provides cash benefits that policyholders can use as they see fit. You can choose from different policy options and find coverage that suits your needs. Start chatting with an agent and get a quote today.
1 National Cancer Institute ‐ Childhood Cancers. Updated November 4, 2021. https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood‐cancers/child‐adolescent‐cancers‐fact‐sheet. Accessed August 4, 2023.
2 World Health Organization ‐ Childhood Cancer. Updated December 13, 2021. https://www.who.int/news‐room/fact‐sheets/detail/cancer‐in‐children. Accessed August 4, 2023.
3 Cancer.net ‐ Childhood Cancer: Types of Treatment. Updated January 2022. https://www.cancer.net/cancer‐types/childhood‐cancer/types‐treatment. Accessed August 4, 2023.
Coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Cancer/Specified‐Disease: In Arkansas, Policies B70100AR, B70200AR, B70300AR, B7010EPAR, B7020EPAR. Policy A72200AR. In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. Policy A72200. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. Policy A72200ID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. Policy A72200OK. In Oregon, Policies B70100OR, B70200OR, B70300OR, B7010EPOR, B7020EPOR. Policy A72200ORR. Policies A78100OR–A78400OR. In Texas, Policies B70100TX, B70200TX, B70300TX, B7010EPTX, B7020EPTX. Policy A72200TX. In New York, Policies, NY78100–NY78400. Policy NYR72200. In Pennsylvania, Policy A76100PA. Policies B70100PA, B70200PA, B70300PA. In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company: Cancer/Specified‐Disease: In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Cancer insurance is also known as specified disease insurance in some states. This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders are available at an additional cost. The policy has limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. Refer to the policy for complete details, limitations, and exclusions. For costs and complete details of the coverage, please contact your local Aflac agent.
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