Cancer is one of the toughest challenges a family can face, mainly when it affects a child. Facing treatments, hospital visits, side effects, and emotional strain can feel overwhelming. However, attention to important factors such as care, nutrition, emotional support, and awareness can make a significant difference.
Know the Signs of Cancer and Act Fast
Childhood cancers may begin with vague signs that resemble common, minor illnesses. These include persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, swelling, frequent headaches accompanied by vomiting, bleeding, paleness, or exhaustion.
If any symptoms continue unusually long, consult a doctor right away. Early diagnosis can change outcomes.
Food and Nutrition: The Foundation of Strength
Food is medicine during cancer treatment. Proper nutrition helps cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy, fight infections, and recover faster. Malnutrition is a major challenge in India, and studies show that children with cancer who are undernourished often face worse outcomes.
Basic Food Guide for Children with Cancer:
- Protein: It is essential for healing and growth. Add eggs, chicken, fish, milk, curd, cheese, pulses, soy, and nuts.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Provide vitamins and antioxidants. Offer soft, peeled fruits like bananas and papaya, as well as cooked vegetables, to help prevent infections.
- Carbohydrates: It is important for energy. Rice, chapati, poha, idlis, and potatoes are easy options.
- Fluids: Hydration helps prevent constipation and aids in flushing toxins. Give boiled water, coconut water, soups, or diluted fruit juices.
- Small Frequent Meals: Children often lose their appetite during chemo. Offer small, light meals every 2–3 hours instead of big plates.
- Food Safety: Always wash fruits, boil water, and cook food well. Avoid raw street food, unpasteurised milk, and leftovers.
It is essential to prioritise health and provide proper nutrition to cancer patients.
Care for Survivorship—The After-Treatment Chapter
Treatment may end, but late effects like hormone changes, learning problems, or even risk of new cancers may appear years later. Plan regular follow-ups. Survivorship care includes medical monitoring, nutrition guidance, emotional counselling, and educational support.
The Indian Childhood Cancer Initiative (ICCI), launched in 2023, is working with hospitals and the government to achieve a 60% survival rate and 100% access to treatment by 2030. Research in India has already improved survival in specific cancers. The MCP-841 protocol boosted survival in childhood leukaemia from 20% to 60%
Beyond Treatment – Alternative Therapies & Innovations
Alternative and supportive treatments and therapies go beyond the conventional cancer treatments. These treatments, along with supportive treatments, become integrative oncology. Alternative treatments are also emerging that cancer patients can take alongside the conventional treatments. Body Revival is one such ayurvedic medicine that has been clinically tested for cancer care. The clinical trial is also registered on the ICMR-CTRI website.
In the clinical trial, it was proven that Body Revival:
- Helps in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Improves the quality of life of cancer patients.
- Strengthens the body from within to handle cancer treatments.
Conclusion
Childhood cancer tests the courage of both children and families. But better awareness, strong hospital care, good nutrition, emotional support, and national programs are changing the story in India.
As a caregiver, remember—you are not alone. With timely action, safe food, proper treatment, and support networks, you can give your child the best chance not only at survival but also at a healthy, hopeful future.
