Individuals & Families
Request a Quote
New messages from Aflac |
View Notifications opens a dialog
Close X dismisses the notification alert
In recent years, there have been significant improvements in 5-year survival rates for certain childhood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia.1 Even so, understanding what childhood cancer is can help families prepare for a diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Let's dive deeper into what you should know about childhood cancer and how Aflac's cancer insurance can help give you financial support.
Table of Contents
Childhood cancer, or pediatric cancer, is abnormal cell growth that affects children and teens. This involves the uncontrollable or atypical growth of cells in the body to form tumors. Some tumors are benign and generally do not spread to other parts of the body, while others are malignant and can spread to nearby tissue and other parts of the body.
While most cancers in adults have known causes and risk factors, many pediatric cancers do not. However, over the years, researchers have identified some risk factors for cancer in children, including:
Don't wait until it's too late. Help protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedCommon childhood cancers differ from common adult cancers. Lung and colorectal cancers are more common in adults, along with prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.6 Here are some common types of childhood cancers:2
Leukemias, especially acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), are the most common childhood cancers.
Brain and spinal cord tumors exist in many forms. The treatments and outlook for each can vary. Brain tumors in children may cause headaches, nausea and vision problems, along with other symptoms. In children, most brain tumors start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem.
Lymphomas often start in immune system cells and is usually found first in the lymph nodes, tonsils or thymus. They may also affect the bone marrow and other organs over time.
Neuroblastoma is usually observed in infants and young children as it starts in the nerve cells and can sometimes develop before birth.
Kidney tumors, sometimes known as Wilms tumors or nephroblastoma, can start in one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children about 3 to 4 years old.
Signs and symptoms of childhood cancer depend on the type of cancer and where it starts. Here are some general symptoms that parents and caregivers may want to look out for:7
Advances in medical science and healthcare have improved treatment outcomes for many forms of childhood cancer. Additionally, long-term survival rates have improved over the past few decades. A multidisciplinary team of medical professionals often tailors the treatment plan to the individual needs of the child, considering factors like:
It's also notable that research is ongoing to develop more effective treatments for each type of pediatric cancer.
Cancer insurance can help provide parents and families with financial support in case of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Aflac offers supplemental cancer insurance for individuals and families (additional coverage for expenses not covered by primary health insurance). Our cash benefits can help with your co-pays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. Speak with an agent today to learn more about your options.
Get Started
Getting cancer treatment without insurance is expensive. Aflac discusses the costs of cancer treatments, the dangers of cancer without insurance, and what cancer insurance helps cover.
Cancer not only affects you physically, it can also take a toll emotionally and financially. To help you navigate the practical and emotional difficulties you may be facing, Aflac has partnered with two wonderful organizations.
Getting cancer treatment without insurance is expensive. Aflac discusses the costs of cancer treatments, the dangers of cancer without insurance, and what cancer insurance helps cover.
Cancer not only affects you physically, it can also take a toll emotionally and financially. To help you navigate the practical and emotional difficulties you may be facing, Aflac has partnered with two wonderful organizations.
1 AACR Journals – AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report 2025. Published February 04 2026. https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/32/3/465/772023/AACR-Pediatric-Cancer-Progress-Report-2025AACR. Accessed August 14, 2026.
2 Jude Children's Research Hospital - Hereditary Retinoblastoma. Updated May 8, 2026. https://www.stjude.org/care-treatment/treatment/genetic-syndromes/hereditary-retinoblastoma.html. Accessed July 21, 2026.
3 American Cancer Society. (n.d). - Childhood Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/childhood-cancer.html. Accessed August 14, 2026.
4 World Health Organization – Childhood Cancer. Published March 10, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children. Accessed July 21, 2026.
5 ScienceDirect: Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care – Integrating environmental risk factors into pediatric cancer care: Laying the groundwork for improved outcomes and primary prevention. Published September 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/current-problems-in-pediatric-and-adolescent-health-care/vol/55/issue/9. Accessed August 14, 2026.
6 National Cancer Institute – Cancer Statistics. Updated May 7, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics. Accessed July 21, 2026.
7 American Cancer Society - Finding and Diagnosing Cancer in Children. Updated July 21, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cancer-in-children/finding-childhood-cancers-early.html. Accessed August 14, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Cancer insurance is also known as Specified-Disease Insurance in some states.
Cancer/Specified-Disease, B70000 series: In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID & B70300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK & B70300OK. A75000 series: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.
Other coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. 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 (NAIC 92908).
Cancer/Specified Disease plans, T70000 series: In Delaware, Policy T70000DE. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma T70000OK. Not available in Virginia.
Coverage/plan levels may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM or NY. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2300958R3
EXP 9/27
