The 2026 Childhood Cancer Report
From diagnosis to research: measuring momentum in the search for cures
Introduction: The Childhood Cancer Report
In 1970, an oncologist named Donald Pinkel announced that the most common type of childhood leukemia was no longer incurable. He said that 50% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) could be cured. This was a landmark proclamation—until this point, leukemia killed nearly every child who was diagnosed since the disease was first described in 1827.
But the reality was more complicated than that. Dr. Pinkel later went on to clarify and to ensure no one misinterpreted his words. Yes, at least half the children with ALL could be cured, but only if they have access to optimal care. He wrote, “worldwide the vast majority of children do not receive optimal treatment so that the worldwide apparent cure rate is much lower.”1
Childhood cancer—its data, diagnosis, treatments, research, and cures—is always complicated and easily misinterpreted. Social media feeds are filled with inconsistent diagnosis counts, outdated information about drug approvals, and general misunderstandings about what childhood cancer is and isn’t. At diagnosis, families are instantly transported to a terrifying world where the language is mired in jargon, test results, and unpronounceable drug names, all while trying to save their child’s life. During this difficult time, they just want to understand what is happening to their child.
The Childhood Cancer Report is the first comprehensive review written for non-scientific readers. This report is an attempt to strip away the jargon, illuminate the trustworthy data sources, provide an overview of historical milestones, and open the door to discussion. The content inside centers on the data that helps advocates, policymakers, families, and others invested in finding cures for childhood cancer understand the full scope of progress as well as the gaps and barriers that still exist for kids facing cancer.
The information was compiled via interviews, data review, research, and discussion over the period of nearly one year. It is fully referenced to allow readers with more options for further reading. Access dates are included for all references to ensure transparency and accuracy. The data and information is largely based on the United States population, but it does include some overview of the global burden and inequities of childhood cancer.
Dr. Pinkel proclaimed that research worked. He also proclaimed that it didn’t work for everyone, yet. This report is written with the firm belief that while we cannot yet control the incidence of childhood cancer, we can indeed count on more cures.