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Childhood Cancer: Early Signs Parents Must Know
15 Feb
Summary
- Around 50,000 children in India are diagnosed with cancer annually.
- Leukaemia, lymphoma, and CNS tumors are most common in children.
- India's childhood cancer survival rate is 70%, lower than Western countries.
Observed annually on February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day underscores the critical importance of early detection for pediatric cancers. In India, an estimated 50,000 children receive cancer diagnoses each year. Leukemia stands as the most prevalent form, followed by lymphoma and Central Nervous System tumors.
However, survival rates in India lag behind global standards. While approximately 70% of affected children recover, this contrasts with the 90% survival rate seen in Western nations. Experts attribute this disparity to delayed diagnoses and limited access to timely medical interventions.
Childhood cancers originate in various tissues, including blood, lymphatic, and nervous systems, and are primarily driven by spontaneous genetic mutations. Unlike adult cancers often linked to lifestyle, these arise randomly, though inherited genetic factors account for a small percentage.
The challenge lies in the rarity and non-preventable nature of childhood cancers, with no widespread screening tests available. Consequently, early detection relies heavily on parents and caregivers recognizing subtle shifts from ordinary childhood symptoms to signs warranting medical attention.
