Childhood cancers account for over 2% of new cases in Karnataka annually

Childhood cancers continue to remain a significant, yet often under-recognised health burden in Karnataka, contributing to more than 2% of all new cancer cases detected annually. Doctors stress that with timely diagnosis and uninterrupted treatment, more than 70% of childhood cancers are curable — a message being reinforced during September, globally observed as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

To mark the month, the State-run Kidwai Institute of Oncology (KMIO) is organising an awareness programme with activities and a fun fiesta for children at the institute on September 20, Saturday.

According to data provided by T. Naveen, Director In charge of Kidwai institute, as many as 87,855 new cancer cases are detected every year in Karnataka, of which 1,882 (2.1%) are in children. Childhood cancers account for 1.4% of cancer deaths in the State. In Bengaluru alone, 15,812 new cases are detected annually, with children making up 339 (2.1%) of the total. Childhood cancers contribute to 1.5% of cancer deaths in the city.

Specialised diagnosis

At Kidwai institute, the State’s apex Regional Cancer Centre, 601 childhood cancer cases (0–14 years) were registered in 2024, representing 4.6% of its total cancer caseload. “This reflects the significant paediatric oncology workload at KMIO and underlines the importance of strengthening specialised diagnostic and treatment services for children,” said Dr. Naveen.

In India, of the 14 lakh new cancer cases reported annually, 35,240 (2.5%) are in children, contributing to nearly 1.8% of cancer-related deaths. Experts point out that while the absolute numbers may seem smaller compared to adult cancers, the impact is profound as it affects children at their most vulnerable ages and places a heavy social and emotional toll on families.

Most common cancers

An analysis of childhood cancer patterns in Bengaluru by doctors at Kidwai shows that leukaemia remains the leading cancer type among children, contributing to over 40% of cases in boys and more than one-third in girls. This is followed by lymphomas, brain and nervous system tumours, bone cancers, and kidney cancers. Brain tumours, doctors observed, were slightly more common among girls compared to boys.

“These patterns show the urgent need to expand paediatric oncology facilities, especially for blood-related and neurological cancers,” said Arun Kumar A.R., professor and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Kidwai.

Over the past few years, doctors at Kidwai have been witnessing more girls registering for cancer treatment than in the past. “With more awareness, the sex ratio for cancer registration has improved now compared to previous years when there were gender disparities in cancer treatment for girls,” said Dr. Kumar.

Early detection

Despite advances in treatment, delays in diagnosis and interruptions in cancer therapy remain major challenges in India. “Persistent unexplained fever, swellings or lumps, a white reflex in the eye, vision changes, prolonged bone or joint pain, and unexplained weight losses are red-flag symptoms that parents and caregivers should never ignore,” Dr. Kumar said.

He stressed that early detection, timely treatment, and adequate family support can make childhood cancers curable in majority of the cases. “The diagnosis of cancer in a child is the beginning of a demanding journey, which often turns out to be life-changing for the entire family. People should avoid alternative systems of medicine for cancer treatment as it only delays the initiation of proper treatment. Early diagnosis and early intervention is better as it improves the chances of successful treatment and reduces mortality,” he added.