The signs and symptoms of childhood cancer
Childhood cancer is more common than we may think, so it’s important to know what to look for. It’s understandable that parents may be concerned about childhood cancer if their child becomes unwell. The signs and symptoms of childhood cancer can be varied and are often similar to common childhood illnesses. This can sometimes make it challenging to recognise at first.
All children get coughs and colds, bumps and sprains, and this is a normal part of childhood. But knowing what signs to look for can help parents and carers decide when to get their child reviewed by a doctor.
Remember that if a child has some symptoms mentioned below, it doesn’t mean that they have cancer. The likelihood is that they still have a normal childhood illness, but they should be seen by a doctor to rule our something more serious.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer in children and young people.
Pale, always tired
Looking unusually pale to the point it’s noticed by others. Persistent exhaustion. Feeling tired all the time or not keeping up with peers.
Pain that won’t go away
Persistent or recurrent pain anywhere. Back or bone pain, or pain anywhere that doesn’t go away needs to be reviewed, especially if it’s waking a child from sleep. This includes injuries that seem slow to improve.
A lump or swelling anywhere
Unexplained lump or swelling anywhere. This could be in any location of the body and may feel like a firmness or may be a more obvious lump. This includes in the breasts / nipples (girls and boys) and testicles.
Unusual bruising or bleeding with no injury
Unexplained bleeding or bruising This could be anywhere, including blood in a child’s urine or faeces, bruising following no known trauma or bruising in unusual places. It may also include a non-blanching rash (think tumbler test).
Changes in vision or a new squint
Double vision, visual disturbances, unusual eye movements, a change in eye appearance or unexplained seizures.
You are concerned, something about their health just isn’t right
You know your child best. If something about your child’s health just isn’t right, then get them reviewed.
Other symptoms of cancer in children and young people
- Often vomiting or weight loss. We all have sickness bugs from time to time, but if vomiting keeps happening, they need to be reviewed.
- Headaches that keep coming back If headaches keep returning or are in the morning or if they wake them up from sleep.
- Changes in mood or behaviour or falling behind peers at school or nursery.
- Long lasting high temperatures with no clear cause.
- Having lots of infections or flu like symptoms Children often catch viruses, especially in winter or when starting nursery or school but they need review if they have other symptoms like night sweats or they aren’t getting better.
- Ongoing change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhoea or a feeling of incomplete emptying.
- Unusual body movements, losing balance or a new limp.
- Slow growth, or starting puberty really early or late. Young people go through puberty at different times, but if they are much earlier or later than peers, review is important.
- Changes in the way moles look (think size, shape and colour).
What should I do if I am worried my child may have cancer?
When a child or young person becomes unwell, it’s still most likely that they have a normal childhood illness. However, if you’re concerned, it may be useful to ask yourself the following questions.
Has your child:
- Been looking unusually pale, to the point it’s noticed by others?
- Been really tired or exhausted a lot?
- Been experiencing ongoing pain anywhere especially if it’s waking them at night?
- Got a lump or swelling anywhere or an unusually swollen tummy?
- Lost weight or been sick regularly or had an ongoing change in bowel habit?
- Got an unusual appearance to their eye in photos, a new squint, unusual eye movements or a disturbance in their vision?
- Got blood in their urine or faeces or have they been bleeding or bruising more than normal?
- Had headaches that don’t go away and or any unexplained changes in behaviour / mood?
- Got a new limp, particularly if they haven’t had any recent accidents / falls?
- Or am I feeling concerned?
If your child has one or more of these symptoms, or if you’re concerned, it’s a sign your child needs to be assessed by their doctor. In the unlikely event that it is cancer, finding it early can make it more treatable.
You know your child best. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts, print this page if you can, and consult a doctor.
What to do if you remain concerned after seeing the doctor
If your child has ongoing symptoms that aren’t improving and you’ve seen the GP or another healthcare professional already, please make sure you voice your concerns and worries again. This is especially important if you’re concerned that something has been overlooked. Print this page and take it with you.
Make sure your doctor knows how many times your child has been seen for that particular problem.
Through no fault of their own, GPs, nurse practitioners and emergency doctors are working under intense time pressures. So, if you feel something hasn’t been discussed, please don’t hesitate to ask for these areas to be revisited. It may be that your doctor had no idea just how concerned you are.
If your child becomes very ill at any point, or you become exceptionally concerned, then it’s advisable to take them to your nearest children’s A&E hospital department for an urgent assessment.
Remember, You know your child best of all and if you are very concerned make sure you say how worried you are.
More information:
For more information on the signs and symptoms of specific cancer types, please see:
Brain tumours
Better Safe than Tumour
Eye cancer
About Retinoblastoma
Types of Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer Classifications
Watch our video
Signs of childhood cancer: guidance for health professionals
Childhood cancer is not as rare we may think. It affects one child in every 450 before their 15th birthday. The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has a range of resources designed to support health care professionals in primary care and emergency settings to recognise the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
Our awareness materials have been developed and reviewed by medical professionals, particularly those in primary care, to ensure their practical application. Our resources are evidence-based, peer-reviewed and, as a charity, we’ve earned the PIF Tick accreditation, the UK’s only quality mark for print and online health information.
For more resources for professionals, see visit our Signs and symptons for healthcare professionals page.
Detecting childhood cancer early is essential for all children. We’re working to ensure that every family, regardless of background, feels supported and informed on this vital matter.
Page last reviewed August 2026.
Support for you
If you’ve visited this page because your child or a child you know has cancer, we’re here to help. For more information and support, read the following resources:
