In India, leukaemia is the most frequent form of cancer among children and teens. Every year, over 30,000 children are diagnosed with blood cancer, and more than 90,000 live with the disease. Early diagnosis matters greatly. When identified promptly, survival rates improve. If the diagnosis is delayed, the cancer may spread, making treatment more challenging in the body. This also comes with side effects that survivors have to live with for the rest of their lives.
Types of Childhood Blood Cancer
There are two main categories of blood cancers in young people:
- Leukaemia: It is the most common cancer in children, especially those aged 1 to 4. It starts in the bone marrow and leads to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The most common forms in children are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
- Lymphoma: It is more common in older teens aged 15 to 19. It affects the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system that includes lymph nodes. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Also Read: Types of Blood Cancer Causes and Symptoms
Warning Signs to Watch For Blood Cancer
Many symptoms of blood cancer in children can resemble common childhood illnesses. However, continuous and unexplained signs lasting more than two weeks should receive attention.
– Sudden weight loss without changes in diet or activity.
– Frequent infections or unexpected bruising.
– Persistent fatigue or weakness that isn’t relieved by rest.
– Prolonged fever, even in the absence of an apparent infection.
– Pale skin or signs of anaemia.
– Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Parents should not overlook these signs. A prompt visit to a paediatrician for evaluation can make a life-saving difference.
Why Does Childhood Cancer Occur?
Genetic mutations or other unknown factors cause most childhood cancers. This is in contrast to many adult cancers, which are often linked to lifestyle choices, smoking, or environmental influences. In India, inherited genetic factors are responsible for about 5–10% of childhood cancers.
Research suggests that an even smaller percentage of childhood cancer cases can be attributed to environmental or lifestyle exposures. For example:
- Most childhood leukaemias occur due to sudden changes in genes in bone marrow cells. These changes lead to the uncontrolled growth of the cells.
- Genetic syndromes known to increase the risk of childhood leukaemia. Down syndrome, Fanconi anaemia, Bloom syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, and others.
- Certain environmental exposures, such as ionising radiation, pesticides, benzene, and indoor insecticides, are linked to increased leukaemia risks.
- Recent studies show that children living close to oil and gas sites are more likely to get acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). This may happen because they are exposed to harmful air pollutants, like benzene, that can cause cancer.
The Indian Context of Childhood Cancer: Burden & Challenges
Childhood cancers make up about 30–40% of all cancer cases in children in India, with leukaemias being the most common type. The rates of these cancers can vary between different states in India. The country also faces several system-wide challenges in dealing with this issue.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation
- Incomplete or inadequate treatment
- A national health focus primarily on adult cancers, leaving childhood cancer care underdeveloped.
There’s an urgent need for dedicated policies and programmes to improve outcomes for Indian children.
Diagnosis, Treatment & Survival of Blood Cancer
Childhood leukaemia typically presents acutely and is diagnosed swiftly, sometimes within days or weeks of symptom onset. As a blood-based cancer, it hinders the production of healthy blood components. This leads to fatigue, infection risk, bleeding, and other complications.
Treatment often involves:
- Comprehensive blood tests and bone-marrow biopsy
- Chemotherapy, radiation, or stem-cell transplantation
- Emerging targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and supportive care.
What Parents and the Community Can Do
- Stay observant: Monitor for persistent symptoms, especially those that last longer than two weeks without explanation.
- Act early: Don’t wait—consult a paediatrician promptly when symptoms are unusual or enduring.
- Spread awareness: Educate schools, parent groups, and communities about warning signs.
- Support research: Encourage and back studies that explore environmental and genetic causes, prevention, and improved care models.
Conclusion
Childhood blood cancers, particularly leukaemia pose a grave challenge. But early detection and prompt treatment can vastly improve survival. While causes are often mysterious, we should remain alert to warning signs and foster collective efforts to strengthen paediatric oncology infrastructure. With awareness, early diagnosis, and systemic support, we can give thousands more children the fighting chance they deserve.
