ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the number of children and teens who are diagnosed with astrocytoma each year. You will also read general information on surviving the disease. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors. Use the menu to see other pages.
Astrocytoma accounts for about half of all brain tumors in children. This year, an estimated 1,920 children and teens younger than 19 will be diagnosed with astrocytoma in the United States. Pilocytic astrocytomas make up an estimated 15% of all brain and other CNS tumors in this age group.
The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of children and teens live at least 5 years after the tumor is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The 5-year survival rate for children and teens up to age 19 with pilocytic astrocytoma is around 97%. For those with diffuse astrocytoma, the 5-year survival rate is around 81%. The survival rate for anaplastic astrocytoma is slightly over 28%.
The grade of the astrocytoma affects survival rates. Other factors also affect survival rates, including how much of the tumor can be removed during surgery. Children and teens with a type of astrocytoma that is unlikely to spread, called noninfiltrating astrocytoma, generally have a higher 5-year survival rate.
It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for children and teens with astrocytoma are an estimate. The estimate comes from annual data based on the number of young people with this cancer in the United States. Also, experts measure the survival statistics every 5 years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how people with astrocytoma are diagnosed or treated from the last 5 years. Talk with your child’s doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.
Statistics adapted from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2014–2018, published October 2021, and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) CureSearch for Children’s Cancer website. (All sources accessed January 2022.)
The next section in this guide is Medical Illustrations. It offers drawings of body parts often affected by astrocytoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.