Cancer Is The 10th Leading Cause Of Child Deaths In India, Says Study

Cancer is now among the leading causes of death in children in India, according to a major global study. The latest data reveals that cancer ranks as the 10th leading cause of death among children in the country, which highlights a growing but often overlooked public health challenge. The findings come from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study, published in The Lancet, which provides assessments of health trends worldwide. While infectious diseases have long dominated child mortality in India, this shift signals a changing disease burden that demands urgent attention. Globally, childhood cancer is even more prominent. According to study, it is the eighth leading cause of death among children worldwide, surpassing diseases such as measles, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. In 2023 alone, there were an estimated 377,000 new cases of childhood cancer and 144,000 deaths globally.

Despite these numbers, childhood cancer often receives less attention than infectious diseases, partly because it is less common and more complex to diagnose and treat. However, experts say its impact is significant, particularly in countries with limited healthcare resources.

India's Burden: 17,000 Child Deaths in a Year

The situation in India is particularly concerning. The study estimates that around 17,000 children died of cancer in 2023. While cancer ranks 10th among causes of death, experts warn that this may understate its importance. Unlike many infectious diseases, a large proportion of childhood cancer deaths are potentially preventable with timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Also read: Why Childhood Cancer Is More Curable Than Most People Think, If Treated Early

"The fact that cancer has become the 10th leading cause of death in children in India is concerning and relevant. This is because it shows that though we have succeeded in managing communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases such as cancer are becoming more recognized in paediatric health," says Dr. Pooja Babar, Consultant Medical Oncology, Fortis hospital Manesar. 

"As a medical oncologist, I would like to point out that cancer in children is treatable, and the chances of survival can be increased with early detection and treatment of cancer. Any child with prolonged fever, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or a lump should be evaluated for cancer," she adds. 

Why Outcomes Are Worse in Low-Income Settings

One of the findings from the study is the inequality in outcomes. Children in low- and middle-income countries accounted for:

• 85% of new childhood cancer cases
• 94% of deaths
• 94% of total disease burden (DALYs)

South Asia alone contributed over 20.5 % of global childhood cancer deaths, underscoring the regional burden. Experts say these disparities are largely due to systemic issues such as:

• Delayed diagnosis
• Limited access to specialised treatment
• Inadequate healthcare infrastructure

In many cases, children are diagnosed late, when the disease has already progressed, reducing the chances of successful treatment.

The Most Common Childhood Cancers

The study also highlights the types of cancers that affect children the most. Globally, the highest burden comes from:

• Leukaemias
• Brain and central nervous system cancers
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

These cancers often require highly specialised care, including chemotherapy, surgery and long-term follow-up, which may not be easily accessible to all patients.

A Gap in India's Health Policy

One of the most concerning revelations is that childhood cancer is not yet fully integrated into India's national cancer control planning. Currently, national screening programmes focus primarily on adult cancers such as oral, cervical and breast cancer. Experts argue that this leaves a significant gap in addressing paediatric cancers, which require different strategies, including:

• Early detection systems tailored for children
• Specialised paediatric oncology centres
• Long-term follow-up care

The Role of Early Detection and Treatment

It is important to improve the outcomes for childhood cancer is not just about advanced treatments, but also about early diagnosis and timely care. Many symptoms of childhood cancer, such as fatigue, fever or pain, can mimic common illnesses. This often leads to delays in seeking medical attention. Experts say strengthening awareness among parents and primary healthcare providers could make a significant difference. Improving access to essential treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is also critical to reducing mortality.

Also read: Persistent Fever, Weight Loss, Lumps: Childhood Cancer Warning Signs Parents Miss

A Call for Urgent Action

Researchers and clinicians are calling for a stronger focus on childhood cancer in national health policies. Key recommendations include:

• Including paediatric cancers in national cancer control programmes
• Investing in early diagnosis and referral systems
• Expanding access to specialised treatment centres
• Building robust cancer registries for better data and planning

Experts stress that most childhood cancer deaths in low-resource settings are preventable, making this a critical area for intervention.The latest findings show that cancer has become a significant cause of death among children in India, ranking 10th nationwide.

While the numbers are concerning, they also highlight an opportunity. With better awareness, early diagnosis and improved access to care, many of these deaths could potentially be avoided. As India continues to battle both infectious and non-communicable diseases, as per  experts one thing is clear: Childhood cancer can no longer remain a neglected part of the public health conversation.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.