Childhood cancer cases are on the rise in India, with 50,000–75,000 new cases reported annually. Globally, the number exceeds 400,000 cases, and researchers predict the overall cancer burden may reach 20 million by 2030.
Every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the urgent need for early detection and timely treatment. On this occasion, experts from Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar, urged parents to stay alert to early warning signs and seek medical advice without delay. They stressed that cancer is far easier to treat when caught early, whereas delayed diagnosis can quickly become life-threatening.
Most Common Childhood Cancers
Dr. Annie Q. Hasan, Head of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, explained that leukemia, lymphoma, and central nervous system tumors are the most common childhood cancers. Certain inherited and genetic conditions—such as Neurofibromatosis, Retinoblastoma, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, and Down syndrome—increase a child’s risk.
These conditions may lead to tumor-suppressor gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, triggering leukemia, brain tumors, or sarcomas. Dr. Hasan emphasized that when pediatricians suspect a genetic predisposition, children should be referred for genetic counseling. With genetic testing, some cancers can be detected early, allowing treatment to begin before the disease progresses.
Cancer Can Begin Before Birth
As per the press release, Consultant Pediatrician and Pediatric Intensivist Dr. Kanchan S. Channawar highlighted that in some cases, cancerous cells start forming before birth during fetal development. The faster these abnormal cells grow, the earlier cancer appears in childhood.
Leukemia and lymphoma remain the most common types. Encouragingly, children often respond more rapidly to chemotherapy compared to adults and recover faster, resuming normal lives. However, she warned that several factors can contribute to childhood cancers, including:
- Genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities
- Rapid fetal cell growth
- Prenatal exposure to radiation, chemicals, or certain drugs
- Infections, such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)
- Immune system disorders
- Environmental pollution and parental lifestyle habits
Dr. Channawar advised parents to watch for warning signs such as repeated fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, headaches, abdominal pain, swollen lymph nodes, or pale skin. Seeking immediate medical advice can save lives.
Role of Family History and Environmental Risks
Medical Oncologist Dr. S. Jayanthi observed that cancer today affects all age groups, and nearly 5% of India’s pediatric cancer cases come from the Telugu states, with 5–10% being hereditary.
If there is a family history of cancer and children show symptoms like painless lumps, abdominal swelling, persistent fever, headaches, vomiting, vision changes, or unexplained bleeding, parents should consult doctors immediately. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates.
Dr. Jayanthi also pointed out that pesticide residues in food, radiation exposure, environmental pollution, and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as alcohol use further raise the risk of cancer.
Advanced Care and Free Treatment
At Kamineni Hospital, children have access to comprehensive diagnostic tests and a full range of treatment options, including free treatment under the Aarogyasri scheme. Dr. Jayanthi urged parents to remain vigilant and proactive, emphasizing that society must work together to reduce the growing burden of childhood cancer and protect future generations.