Childhood cancer
Last update
In 2025, there were 212 new cases of childhood cancer in Norway. The long-term survival after treatment for cancer in children and adolescents is very good.
About childhood cancer
Cancer in children and adolescents is rare and consists of many individual diagnoses where the incidence is often only a few cases per year. It is therefore a challenge for professionals to maintain specialist expertise for each and every type of cancer. On this basis, the then Ministry of Health and Social Affairs established in 1999 the Competence Centre for Solid Tumours in Children (now the National Advisory Unit on Solid Tumours in Children; KSSB).
The purpose was to increase national competence regarding diagnostics, treatment, follow-up and late effects of childhood cancer treatment.
Cancer in children is classified into twelve main groups/diagnostic groups based on the International Classification of Childhood Cancer: leukaemias (blood cancer), lymphomas (lymphoma) and tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) as well as a further nine groups of other solid tumors, including neuroblastoma, sarcoma, liver and kidney tumors.
Key figures - childhood cancer 2025
Number of new cases
212 children (0-17 years)
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
19.3
5-year survival (2016-2025)
89.8%
Cancer survivors
7,400 people as of 31.12.2025
The figures are taken from Annual report for the Norwegian Registry for Childhood Cancer 2025.
For more statistics, see the Cancer Registry's statistics bank.
Risk factors
The causes of childhood cancer are unknown. Some hereditary diseases increase the risk of cancer in children. It is also speculated that environmental factors, electromagnetic radiation or infections may have an impact. So far, this has not been documented.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.