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For many prospective parents, pediatric cancer is a frightening thought. The good news is that childhood cancers are relatively rare, but they still affect thousands of families each year. Understanding the statistics and genetic risk factors can help you make informed decisions to protect your future child's health.

Pediatric Cancer by the Numbers

Cancer in children is uncommon, but it remains the leading disease-related cause of childhood death (Tracking Pediatric and Young Adult Cancers | NPCR | CDC). About 15,000  children and adolescents in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year – approximately 1 in 285 kids will face a cancer diagnosis before age 20 (Childhood Cancer Statistics - ACCO).

Inherited Risks and Genetic Factors

In most cases, childhood cancer strikes without warning, driven by random DNA changes rather than inherited factors. Only about 12% of childhood cancers are linked to an inherited genetic syndrome (How can Orchid tell me about an embryo’s future risk for cancer?). Rare conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma can dramatically increase a child's odds of developing cancer early in life (How can Orchid tell me about an embryo’s future risk for cancer?) – a scary prospect if such a condition runs in your family.