Yes, most childhood cancers are curable. In Iran, 5-year survival of children with cancer reached 81% in 2010 to 2014 [1], and in countries with complete treatment, 5-year survival of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (the most common childhood cancer) has passed 90% [2]. The most important thing a family can do is complete the treatment fully and on time: abandoning treatment is one of the main causes of treatment failure in middle-income countries [4], and even missing daily tablets multiplies the risk of relapse [3].
One important step: complete the treatment, on time
- 1
Treatment is long; plan from the start
Treatment for childhood leukaemia is long, and its maintenance phase is a daily oral tablet at home [3]. A medicine calendar, a phone alarm or a weekly pill box helps.
- 2
- 3
If there is a problem, do not stop treatment; tell the care team
Financial pressure and out-of-pocket costs are major reasons for abandoning treatment [4]. Social workers, childhood cancer support associations and the care team have solutions; but treatment left half-finished destroys the chance of cure.
- 4
Go to the visits and tests
Regular blood tests are needed to adjust doses and to find infections early.
When should I contact a doctor?
During treatment, a fever of 38 °C or higher is an emergency: contact the care team or go to the emergency department at once (low blood counts and infection (Persian)). Also report bleeding, a lot of bruising, severe paleness, vomiting that stops the child taking medicine, or several days of missed medicine.
Frequently asked questions
My child is well. Why keep taking medicine?
Looking well does not mean all the cancer cells are gone. Maintenance treatment is there to prevent relapse, and missing it raises the risk of relapse [3].
Should we switch to herbal or traditional treatments?
No. Abandoning standard treatment explains a large part of the difference in childhood cancer survival between rich and low-income countries [4]. Discuss any herbal product with the doctor before using it.
Which childhood cancers have the best outcomes?
In Iran's national registry, 5-year survival was 97% for lymphomas, 97% for retinoblastoma and 91% for soft-tissue sarcomas; neuroblastoma had the lowest survival (39%) [1].
Notes for doctors (for physicians)
For physicians
Iran. In the national registry (20,624 children aged 0 to 14, 2005 to 2014), overall observed 5-year survival was 81.0%, rising from 70.2% to 81.4%; it was lowest in neuroblastoma (39.1%) and at ages 0 to 4 (79.6%). The authors caution about differences in follow-up and case mix [1].
Adherence to 6-mercaptopurine. In a COG cohort, electronically monitored adherence fell from 94.7% (month 1) to 90.2% (month 6); compared with adherence ≥95%, adherence of 90 to 94.9% was associated with a relapse HR of 4.1 (1.2 to 13.5) and below 85% with HR 5.7 (1.9 to 16.8); adherence was lower at age 12 and over and in single-parent households [3].
Treatment abandonment. In a global survey (602 responses from 101 countries), about 15% of newly diagnosed children abandon treatment, 99% of them in low- and middle-income countries; greater reliance on out-of-pocket payment was an independent predictor, and abandonment explains at least a third of the survival gap [4]. Plan active tracking of missed visits, financial support and social work from day one.
Scientific evidence
Related cancer types
References
4 referencesShow all references, 1 with a study cardClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1
- 2Improved survival for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia between 1990 and 2005: a report from the children's oncology group
- 3
- 4
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 27 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
