Leukaemia represents the most common form of cancer among children in India, accounting for nearly half of all cases in the 0-4 and 5-9 age groups. Paediatric cancer is a significant global health challenge, with India reporting approximately 50,000 cases annually. Despite advancements in paediatric oncology treatment, India continues to grapple with obstacles such as a lack of early diagnosis, limited access to care, diagnosis at advanced stages and challenges in completing treatment (high treatment abandonment rates).
Dr Gauri Kapoor, Director and Head of Department of Pediatric Hematology – Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, shares her insights. Leukaemia represents the most common form of cancer among children in India, accounting for nearly half of all cases in the 0-4 and 5-9 age groups. Lymphoid leukaemia, primarily acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, are the most prevalent type.
Lymphomas are the second most common paediatric cancer. In the 0-19 age group, the four leading cancers are leukaemia, lymphoma, bone tumours, and central nervous system tumours. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are hence critical to improving survival rates among children with cancer.
Advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies like MRI and PET scans have significantly enhanced the ability of paediatric oncologists to precisely identify and monitor tumours. Additionally, the emergence of liquid biopsy techniques, which analyse blood samples for.
