Common Symptoms of Childhood Cancer

Most Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of childhood cancer are linked to the most common type of childhood cancer: leukemia. Leukemia is a blood cancer that accounts for one-third of all childhood cancers. Children with leukemia may have a pale complexion or be very tired. They may also bruise easily. Bruising on the knees and elbows is typically nothing to worry about, but bruises in odd places like behind the knees or under the arms can signal something more. If your child’s gums bleed after brushing their teeth or eating hard food like apples, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
September 1, 2015

Last Updated:
September 1, 2015