OBJECTIVETo analyze the epidemiological features of childhood cancer in China, and to provide some clues and basis for related academic research, the formulation of prevention and control strategy, and the construction of prevention and control system of childhood cancer.

METHODSThe data of childhood cancer in children aged 0-14 years which were published in Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Report in 2009-2012 and from GLOBOCAN2012 database were collected. A descriptive statistical analysis was done to determine the distributions of incidence and mortality by time, area, age, and sex.

RESULTSIn China, the incidence of childhood cancer showed a slight fluctuation with time, while the mortality rate remained stable. The incidence of childhood cancer in China was lower than the world average, and it was much lower than in the United States and Japan. However, the mortality of childhood cancer in China was higher than that in the United States and Japan. The incidence of childhood cancer in Chinese urban areas was about 2 times that in Chinese rural areas, while the mortality in the urban and rural areas was similar. The incidence and the mortality of childhood cancer both declined with increasing age. The incidence and the mortality of childhood cancer in boys were higher than those in girls.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence and mortality of childhood cancer in China show distribution characteristics by time, area, age, and sex, which can help to make clear the future direction of childhood cancer research and provide some ideas for the comprehensive prevention and control.