The 2026 Childhood Cancer Report
From diagnosis to research: measuring momentum in the search for cures
A comprehensive review created so everyone can understand childhood cancer
The Report
Childhood cancer, its data, diagnosis, treatments, research, and cures, is always complicated and easily misinterpreted. The Childhood Cancer Report is the first comprehensive review written for non-scientific readers. Key insights include:
- While childhood cancer survival rates continue to increase, at least 15% of children will not survive their diagnosis. For these children, gaps in research and viable treatment continue to persist.
- Survivorship continues to be a critical area of research and need for the 500,000+ survivors in the U.S. At least 60% of these survivors develop one or more chronic health conditions as a result of their diagnosis and the required treatment.
- Childhood cancer care and treatment continue to cause a great divide between high income and low income countries. 90% of the childhood cancer diagnoses happen in low-income countries, where survival rates are just 20-30% for cancers that are highly curable in the United States.
- As FDA approvals and cutting-edge therapies emerge, even the survival of children in the U.S. can be driven by geography. Over 70% of the population lives more than 100 miles from the medical centers offering some of the most critical treatments for brain tumors, sarcomas, and leukemias.
Compiled by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation using the most recent June 2026 childhood cancer data releases from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other cancer registries, the report centers on the data that helps advocates, policymakers, and families understand the full scope of progress as well as the gaps and barriers that still exist for kids facing cancer.
Flashes of Hope photo by Scott Knutson
Key Downloads
The Childhood Cancer Report
Download the full PDF of The Childhood Cancer Report.
Shareable Facts
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Breakout Sections
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How to Use This Report
The Childhood Cancer Report 2026 from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is designed to be both comprehensive and flexible. Readers can explore the report in the way that works best for them:
- Read the report from start to finish for a broad overview of childhood cancer data, research and treatment milestones.
- Use individual sections independently to find information on specific topics, such as incidence and survival statistics, long-term effects, disparities in care, research funding, or family experiences.
- Reference graphics and data highlights throughout the report for presentations, educational materials, advocacy efforts, fundraising campaigns, grant applications, or media stories.
- Return to the report as a resource when seeking current, evidence-based information about childhood cancer and the need for continued research progress.
When referencing this report, please cite it as: The Childhood Cancer Report 2026 (Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation). If possible, include a direct link to the report webpage.
High-resolution graphics and charts may be available for presentations, publications, educational use, or media coverage. To request graphics or discuss permissions and usage, please contact Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation through the ALSF website.
Cures for All Kids with Cancer
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