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India: 70% of Child Leukaemia Cases in South Asia
3 Aug
Summary
- India accounts for seven out of every 10 children with leukaemia in South Asia.
- Over 25,000 to 50,000 children under 15 are diagnosed with leukaemia yearly in India.
- Leukaemia is the most common cancer in SAARC nations, making up 35-50% of cases.
In South Asia, India bears a disproportionately high burden of childhood leukaemia, with seven out of every 10 affected children residing in the country. A study published in The Lancet indicates that between 25,000 and 50,000 Indian children under 15 are diagnosed with leukaemia annually.
Leukaemia is identified as the most common childhood cancer across SAARC nations, representing 35-50% of all pediatric cancer cases. While India's large population contributes to its high incidence rates, experts also point to low awareness leading to late diagnoses in some regions.
Estimates suggest that 1,000 to 1,800 children are diagnosed with leukaemia each year in West Bengal alone. The study highlights a need for improved cancer registration, equitable access to specialized care, and continuous treatment pathways across the region.
