• Approximately 9,620 U.S. children under age 15 are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. About 1,040 deaths of children under age 15 are anticipated.
• In Texas, more than 1,700 children and adolescents under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer and almost 200 die annually.
• Leukemias (28%) and brain/central nervous system cancers (25%) make up more than half of childhood cancers.
• The five-year survival rate is currently around 85% and has increased significantly in the last few decades due to treatment advances. The survival rate for the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has improved dramatically to 92%. Several other types of childhood cancer, including pediatric kidney tumors and most forms of lymphoma, now have four-year survival rates of 80%.

Since young bodies are still developing, there are several benefits of proton therapy for children with cancer, including:  

• Delivering a highly targeted dosage of radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue and vital organs
• Less invasive treatment with fewer side effects  
• Specialized pediatric oncology care from our specialists 

Our physicians specialize in pediatric oncology and understand that any kind of medical treatment can be new, unknown, or even worrisome for children diagnosed with cancer. When seeking care at the Texas Center for Proton Therapy, pediatric patients and their families are connected with experts in child development, radiation oncologists, and nurses who have pediatric care in mind. Additionally, we use protocols and specialized pediatric equipment specifically designed for children.  

Waiting on appointments and cancer treatments can be difficult for both children and their families, so we offer an activity and learning center designed just for them, called our Sunrise Room. The weekly activities in the Sunrise Room give both children with cancer and their caregivers an opportunity to connect with others during their stay for treatments. The Texas Center for Proton Therapy staff also works with families and schools to ensure pediatric patients can stay on top of their schoolwork during extended stays for cancer treatment.

Learn more about our initial consultation and treatment process to determine if proton therapy is right for your child.

• Approximately 9,620 U.S. children under age 15 are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. About 1,040 deaths of children under age 15 are anticipated.
• In Texas, more than 1,700 children and adolescents under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer and almost 200 die annually.
• Leukemias (28%) and brain/central nervous system cancers (25%) make up more than half of childhood cancers.
• The five-year survival rate is currently around 85% and has increased significantly in the last few decades due to treatment advances. The survival rate for the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has improved dramatically to 92%. Several other types of childhood cancer, including pediatric kidney tumors and most forms of lymphoma, now have four-year survival rates of 80%.