Cancer is the leading cause of death among children between the ages of 1 and 14, according to the National Cancer Institute. Leukemia and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of new childhood cancer cases. All cancers, including those affecting children, have a similar progression where cells grow out of control, eventually destroying other healthy cells and metastasizing to tissues and organs. Factors that trigger cancer in children are numerous and tend to differ from risk factors for cancer in adults.
Genetic Mutations
The causes of most childhood cancers generally are unknown, but most are due to non-inherited mutations in the genes of growing cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. Because these mutations occur at random, they are nearly impossible to prevent.
Syndromes
A number of syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis and Gorlin syndrome, and Down's Syndrome are associated with an increased risk of developing specific childhood cancers.
Environmental Factors
It is difficult to assess environmental factors in children because it is hard to determine past exposure levels of particular substances. Exposures to toxins such as pesticides, solvents and household products may increase the risk of developing cancer. Maternal diets during pregnancy and post natal diets also may increase the risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, ultrasounds during pregnancy also have been linked to cancer in several major studies.
AIDS
The National Cancer Institute links acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDs) with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and a type of muscle cancer called leiomyosarcoma.
Chemotherapy
Children who have been treated with chemotherapy for cancer are at increased risk for developing cancer again. Chemotherapies such alkylating agents or topoisomerase II inhibitors increase the risk of developing childhood leukemia.
