Early diagnosis can cure over 80% of childhood cancers, say doctors
On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, doctors in Jaipur on Sunday underlined that timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can save more than 80 per cent of children affected by cancer, stressing the need for greater awareness among parents and caregivers.
Paediatric oncologist Dr Shivani Mathur said childhood cancers are different from adult cancers, as they tend to progress rapidly but respond better to treatment if identified early. She noted that the most commonly reported cancers among children include blood cancer (leukaemia), brain tumours, kidney cancer and bone cancer.
Highlighting the national data, haemato- oncologist Dr Upendra Sharma said that nearly 4 per cent of all cancer cases in India occur in children aged between 0 and 14 years, with around 50,000 new cases reported annually. Blood cancer accounts for 25 to 30 per cent of these cases, he added, emphasising that early detection significantly improves survival chances.
Doctors said childhood cancer is rarely linked to lifestyle factors and is often caused by genetic changes, inherited conditions in a small number of cases, or errors during early cell development. As most causes are not preventable, they stressed the importance of recognising early warning signs.
According to medical experts, symptoms that should not be ignored include persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fatigue, bone or joint pain, frequent infections, easy bruising and abnormal swelling. Parents were advised to seek medical consultation promptly if such symptoms persist.
The doctors also highlighted treatment options, which vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. These include chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, along with newer targeted therapies and supportive care. They said specialised paediatric oncology care is crucial, as children require treatment approaches different from adults.
Referring to institutional efforts, Dr Sharma said Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital is running projects that provide free treatment to children. Under the Jeevandan project, 286 children have been treated since 2014 at a cost of Rs 10.73 crore, with 178 declared cancer-free. Another welfare initiative for children with Wilms’ tumour has treated 21 children since 2016, all of whom have recovered.