Protective bubbles surrounding a child, symbolizing safety from blood clots in pediatric cancer.

Childhood Cancer & Blood Clots: What Parents Need to Know

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the risks and factors of thromboembolism in children with cancer, and how to navigate this critical concern."

The world of pediatric cancer is filled with challenges, and as parents, you want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible. One area that might not be top-of-mind but is crucial to understand is thromboembolism (TE), also known as blood clots. While it might sound like something that primarily affects adults, children with cancer are at an increased risk, and knowing the facts can make a real difference.

Thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel, potentially blocking blood flow and causing serious complications. For children undergoing cancer treatment, the risk can be elevated due to the cancer itself, the treatments they receive, and other related factors. Recognizing the signs and understanding the risk factors are key to ensuring your child receives the best possible care.

This article aims to break down the complexities surrounding thromboembolism in pediatric cancer patients. We will cover what the latest research tells us, what factors increase the risk, and what steps can be taken to protect your child. Knowledge is power, and we are here to empower you with the information you need to navigate this challenging journey.

Why Are Blood Clots a Concern in Pediatric Cancer?

Protective bubbles surrounding a child, symbolizing safety from blood clots in pediatric cancer.

Blood clots can lead to significant health issues, including pain, swelling, and even life-threatening situations if a clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke). In children with cancer, these complications can disrupt treatment plans, increase hospital stays, and impact their overall well-being. It's important to note that while the overall incidence of TE is relatively low, the consequences can be severe, making awareness and prevention crucial.

According to a population-based study, approximately 4% of children with cancer will experience a clinically significant thromboembolism. While this number might seem small, it represents a real and present risk that requires careful attention. The study also highlighted that life-threatening or fatal TEs occur in a smaller percentage, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.

Chronic Morbidity: Blood clots can lead to long-term health issues.
Treatment Delays: Thromboembolism can interrupt or modify cancer treatment plans.
Adverse Effects: Anticoagulation medications used to treat blood clots can have side effects.
Rare Mortality: In some cases, blood clots can be fatal.

Understanding the specific factors that increase the risk of thromboembolism can help healthcare teams implement preventive measures and closely monitor children who are more vulnerable. Let's explore some of these key risk factors.

Empowering Parents Through Knowledge

Navigating the complexities of childhood cancer is undoubtedly challenging. Understanding the risk of thromboembolism and its associated factors is a crucial step in advocating for your child's health. By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare team, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your child.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1055/s-0038-1668543, Alternate LINK

Title: Thromboembolism Incidence And Risk Factors In Children With Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Subject: Hematology

Journal: Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG

Authors: Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte, Jason Pole, Ketan Kulkarni, Uma Athale, David Stammers, Christine Sabapathy, Jessica Halparin, Leonardo Brandão, Lillian Sung

Published: 2018-08-13

Everything You Need To Know

What are the potential dangers and complications associated with thromboembolism in children undergoing cancer treatment?

Thromboembolism (TE), or blood clots, can cause pain, swelling, and life-threatening issues like pulmonary embolism (clots in the lungs) or stroke (clots in the brain). In pediatric cancer, these complications can disrupt treatment plans and increase hospital stays. While the incidence is relatively low, the consequences can be severe, requiring early detection and intervention. A study showed that about 4% of children with cancer experience a clinically significant thromboembolism.

What are the primary factors that elevate the risk of thromboembolism in children who are receiving treatment for cancer?

Several factors increase the risk of thromboembolism in children with cancer. These include the cancer itself, the treatments they receive (such as chemotherapy or surgery), and other related factors that affect blood clotting. Identifying these risk factors allows healthcare teams to implement preventive measures and closely monitor more vulnerable children.

What treatment options are available for children with cancer who develop thromboembolism, and what are the potential side effects?

If a child with cancer develops a thromboembolism, anticoagulation medications are typically used to treat it. However, these medications can have side effects, and managing these side effects is a crucial part of the treatment process. The goal is to prevent the clot from growing or new clots from forming while minimizing the risks associated with the medication.

How common is thromboembolism in children diagnosed with cancer, and what does the research indicate about its prevalence?

While the occurrence of thromboembolism in children with cancer is relatively low, a population-based study indicated that approximately 4% of children with cancer will experience a clinically significant thromboembolism. Although life-threatening or fatal thromboembolisms occur in a smaller percentage, the risk is real and requires careful attention, early detection, and intervention.

What steps can parents take to become more informed and proactive in protecting their child from thromboembolism during cancer treatment?

Parents can empower themselves by staying informed about the risk of thromboembolism and its associated factors in pediatric cancer. Working closely with the healthcare team, understanding potential preventive measures, and being vigilant for any signs or symptoms of blood clots are essential steps in advocating for their child's health. This knowledge helps ensure the best possible outcome during cancer treatment.