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Childhood Cancer Cases On Rise In India: Expert Reveals Causes
Childhood cancer rates are rising due to improved detection, genetic factors, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and advanced treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and CAR-T cell therapy, have significantly boosted survival rates. We got in touch with a health expert who shares effective treatment options for childhood cancer. Read on to know more.
Why Cancer Cases Are On Rise In Children? Expert Answers (Image Credits: iStock)
Childhood cancer rates have seen a significant increase in recent years, raising concern among health experts, and parents alike. While the reasons behind this rise are complex and still being studied, several factors contribute. According to the World Health Organization, more than 80 per cent of children with cancer in high-income countries are cured, while the survival rate in low- and middle-income countries remains around 20 per cent. By 2030, the global goal is to achieve at least a 60 per cent survival rate for all children with cancer, potentially saving a million lives in the next decade.
We got in touch with Dr Manojit Chakraborty, Consultant in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, who shares the causes and treatment of childhood cancers.
Causes Of Increase In Cancer: Improved Detection and Diagnosis
Dr Manojit shares that one of the leading causes of the apparent rise in childhood cancer cases is the improvement in technology and diagnostic tools. With the development of advanced imaging techniques and screening methods, cancers that might have gone undetected are now being diagnosed earlier. This has led to a significant increase in cancer detection among children.“In addition to technological advancements, increased awareness of childhood cancer has made both parents and health experts more vigilant. As a result, more cases are being identified earlier, providing opportunities for timely treatment,” he said.
Can Lifestyle Affect Maternal Health?Dr Manojit explains, that while genetics play a critical role in the development of childhood cancers, lifestyle and maternal health factors may also contribute. Conditions such as maternal obesity, smoking during pregnancy, and overall health have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in children. Moreover, shifts or changes in children's diets, reduced physical activity, and exposure to environmental toxins are being studied to determine their potential impact on childhood cancer rates.
Childhood Cancer
In the 1980s, receiving a cancer diagnosis often came with a sense of despair and stigma. Today, the cancer treatment has changed dramatically. Childhood cancer is no longer seen as a singular disease but rather a collection of different types, each with its prognosis. For example, childhood blood cancers now have a cure rate of up to 90 per cent. According to experts, childhood cancers are generally more treatable than adult cancers due to differences in how cancer cells behave in younger patients.Can Children Get Cancer?
“Yes, children can get cancer, although it is often considered a disease that primarily affects adults. Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome and Neurofibromatosis, increase the risk of developing childhood cancer. Children who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy for a previous cancer have a higher chance of developing cancer again. However, most childhood cancers are not inherited but occur due to random genetic mutations during cell growth. There are currently no known ways to prevent these mutations,” he said.How Common Is Childhood Cancer?
Every year, over 400,000 new cases of cancer affect children under the age of 20 worldwide. In India, more than 50,000 new childhood cancer cases are diagnosed annually. “Globally, cancer accounted for the loss of 11.5 million years of healthy life in children in 2017. This number could be reduced if all children had access to adequate care. A child is diagnosed with cancer somewhere in the world every 80 seconds. In 2022, more than 275,000 children and adolescents (aged 0–19 years) were diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and over 105,000 children died from cancer. The actual numbers may be even higher, as many cases of childhood cancer go undiagnosed in low-income countries where healthcare resources are limited,” Dr Manojit said.Can Childhood Cancer Be Cured?
“Yes, childhood cancer can often be cured, depending on the type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and the child’s overall health. Thanks to advancements in medical treatments, the survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer in developed countries is now over 80 per cent. This means that the majority of children diagnosed with cancer today go on to live healthy lives after treatment,” he said.Treatment Options for Childhood Cancer- Surgery: In some cases, removing the tumour surgically can be curative.
- Chemotherapy: This is one of the most common treatments for childhood cancer, working to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Often used to shrink tumours or eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Particularly used in blood cancers like leukaemia when other treatments have been insufficient.
- Immunotherapy: A newer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer, showing great promise in certain childhood cancers.
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: A form of immunotherapy that boosts the child's immune system to target specific proteins in cancer cells.
Is Childhood Cancer Contagious?
“No, childhood cancer is not contagious. Unlike infectious diseases, cancer cannot be spread from one person to another. Most childhood cancers are caused by random genetic mutations that occur in growing cells. These mutations are not inherited, nor are they the result of infections. While some cancers in adults, such as cervical or liver cancer, may be linked to infections like HPV or hepatitis, these are not common causes of cancer in children,” Dr Manojit said.Can Children Tolerate Chemotherapy?
Dr Manojit explains that children can often tolerate chemotherapy well, and in some cases, they respond better to treatment than adults. This is due to several factors:1. Resilience: Children’s bodies are generally more resilient and recover faster after chemotherapy.
2. Fewer Underlying Conditions: Unlike adults, children are less likely to have chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes, which can complicate cancer treatment.
3. More Responsive Tumours: Certain childhood cancers, like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), tend to respond better to chemotherapy than adult cancers.
“A childhood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the child and their family. However, with advancements in treatment, early detection, and improved awareness, the prognosis for childhood cancer has greatly improved. Support systems are essential to help families navigate the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis,” he said.
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Pallavi Mehra author
Pallavi Mehra is a Copy Editor at Times Now and covers Health beat extensively. In her leisure time she likes to read, travel, explore cafes and binge...View More
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