Cancer is rare in children. In infants and young children, brain tumors are the second most common form of cancer, after leukemia. Approximately 3 cases per 100,000 occur each year in children under the age of five. This rate goes down for older children. With better treatment, the death rate from cancer is going down.

The brain is part of the central nervous system. Brain tumors may cause headaches, seizures, or swelling of the brain. They may cause vision or speech problems, dizziness, weakness, difficulty walking or handling objects, nausea, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur without apparent cause, see your doctor immediately.

Surgery is usually the first treatment. By removing the tumor, your doctor will be able to get an exact diagnosis. The rest of the treatment can be planned with this information. Also, by removing as much of the tumor as possible, the pressure in the brain is relieved. Often, many or all of the original symptoms are relieved following surgery.

Often radiation therapy is given next, unless the child is under three years old. In that case, chemotherapy is used. It doesn't interfere with the growth and development of the brain as much as radiation therapy does. The five-year survival rate for children with brain and other central nervous system cancers is about 60 percent.

For more information about childhood cancers and support services available for parents and family members, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345, or The National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go