Childhood cancers are rare. The chances of recovery have improved considerably in recent decades. Nevertheless, cancer is the second most common cause of death in children.
|
2016‑20201 |
|---|---|
New cases (annual average) |
246 |
Deaths (annual average) |
25 |
Most common cancer sites (% new cases) |
1991‑20201 |
Leukemias |
30 |
Tumours of the central nervous system |
24 |
Lymphomas |
12 |
The 10-year survival rate rose from 78% for children diagnosed between 1994 and 2003 to 84% for children diagnosed between 2004 and 2013. In the period from 2014 to 2018, the 10-year survival rate reached 85%.
New cases and deaths
In the period from 2016‒2020, an average of 246 new cases and 25 deaths were recorded each year. Cancers are more prevalent in infants and children aged 1‒4 years than in early school-age children. Since the mid-1990s, the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry has gathered comprehensive data (>95%) on childhood cancer. Owing to the small number of cases, the number of new cancer cases fluctuates slightly each year. While the number of deaths has decreased over the years, there has been an upward trend in the number of new cases. This may be due to a combination of improved registration, changes in diagnostic practice, random fluctuations due to low case numbers and real increases.
Most common cancer sites
The most common cancer sites in children are leukaemias (30%), tumours of the central nervous system (24%) and lymphomas (12%).
Further Information
Statistical sources and concepts
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Sections Health Services, Population HealthEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland