CHILDHOOD CANCERS
Childhood cancers are those that affect individuals under the age of 15 years. The most common types include cancers such as leukemias (blood cancers), brain tumours , lymphomas, and solid tumours like neuroblastoma and Wilmstumour.
Globally, approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. In India, more than 50,000 new childhood cancer cases occur every year. Survival rates for childhood cancers have improved over the past few decades, reaching around 80-90%.Survival rates are low in developing countries like India.

Childhood cancer not only has adverse physical and emotional effects on the affected children but also has profound impact on their families and society at large.
In many cases, the exact cause of childhood cancer remains unknown. Childhood cancers are typically not preventable through lifestyle changes, as is the case with some adult cancers. Ongoing research is essential to further understand the risk factors associated with pediatric cancers.

Some children inherit genetic mutations from their parents that predispose them to cancer. Exposure to certain substances or environmental factors such as radiation (e.g., ionizing radiation from medical imaging or environmental sources), pesticides, and air pollutants may contribute to childhood cancer risk. Some viral infections have also been linked to childhood cancers
Cancer and its treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery) can cause side effects like vomiting, hair loss, physical discomfort, pain, fatigue, immune suppression, and long-term health issues such as organ damage, growth delays, and secondary cancers.
Treatment can significantly affect quality of life during and after treatment. Children may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and trauma due to their illness, frequent need for hospitalization and intrusive treatments .Long-term uncertainty about health and future can affect their emotional well-being and social development.
Prolonged absences from school, learning difficulties due to treatment side effects, and social isolation can disrupt educational progress and peer relationships.
Stigma and discrimination related to physical changes (like hair loss) or disabilities resulting from treatment may impact social interactions.
Parents and caregivers experience immense stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil due to their child’s illness and uncertain prognosis.
Balancing care giving responsibilities with work and other family commitments can lead to caregiver burnout
The cost of cancer treatment, medications, frequent hospitalizations, and travel expenses can impose a significant financial strain on families.
Some families may face loss of income or job instability when caregivers need to prioritize their child’s care over work
Siblings may feel neglected or burdened by the family’s focus on the sick child, leading to emotional and behavioral challenges. Family routines and relationships can be disrupted.
Addressing these impacts requires comprehensive support systems, including healthcare, financial assistance, psychological support, and societal awareness.
There are several advanced therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, minimally invasive surgery, proton therapy and gene therapy available to treat cancer in children, which have significantly improved outcomes and reduced side effects compared to traditional treatments.
The low survival rate among children affected by cancer in developing countries like India are due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to health care, financial constraints, lack of awareness and education.
The government is addressing these challenges by strengthening healthcare infrastructure- building/upgrading pediatric oncology centers equipped with diagnostic facilities, chemotherapy units, radiation therapy facilities, and surgical services. Government provides subsidies and financial support to families for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and surgical procedures, conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about childhood cancers, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early detection and seeking timely medical care.
ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) can play a crucial role in identifying early signs of childhood cancers during routine community visits. They can refer suspected cases promptly to health facilities for diagnosis and treatment. They can educate and support the family throughout the entire process. Schools and colleges can participate in raising awareness about childhood cancers among students, teachers, and parents, organize fundraising events to support children with cancer and their families, and facilitate access to treatment and supportive care.
Neighbors can provide emotional, financial, and practical support to families affected by childhood cancer.
NGOs play a crucial role in raising awareness about childhood cancers. Provide direct support to children with cancer and their families, including financial assistance, access to medications, and psychosocial support.
Media channels (TV, radio, newspapers and social media) can raise awareness about childhood cancers by featuring stories of survivors, educational segments on the subject and interviews with healthcare professionals.
Cancer can occur in any child. Early referral & diagnosis is the key.
The most important thing is to help the child stay strong and fight the cancer, just like superheroes! Each child deserves to enjoy its natural childhood.