New Delhi: For decades, cancer in children was seen as one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses for families. Treatment options were limited, survival rates were lower, and many parents believed there was little hope after hearing the word “cancer.” But today, that picture is changing rapidly.
Medical experts say childhood cancer is now increasingly becoming a highly treatable and, in many cases, curable disease. Thanks to major progress in paediatric oncology, better medicines, early diagnosis, and access to specialised hospitals, thousands of children are now surviving cancer and growing into healthy adults.
According to Dr Manojit Chakraborty, Consultant – Paediatric Hematology, Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, the outcomes in childhood cancer have improved dramatically compared to two decades ago.
“With current treatment plans, nearly 80 to 85 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer can achieve long-term survival. In some cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), cure rates can exceed 90 per cent when appropriate treatment is given,” he explained.
Doctors say the chances of a complete cure depend on several factors, including the type of cancer, the stage at which it is diagnosed, the child’s genetic profile, and how well the body responds to treatment.
Paediatric patients also tend to tolerate chemotherapy better than adults, which improves treatment success.
BETTER TREATMENTS CHANGING OUTCOMES
One of the biggest breakthroughs in childhood cancer care has been the shift towards risk-adapted and precision-based treatment approaches.
Earlier, treatment methods were more generalised, but now doctors tailor therapies according to the child’s specific condition and risk level. This helps improve cure rates while reducing side effects.
Today, childhood cancers are treated using a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, radiation, and bone marrow transplantation, depending on the type and severity of the disease.
Advanced therapies are also bringing hope to children with difficult or relapsed cancers. Treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy and stem cell transplantation are proving effective, especially in blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.
CAR-T therapy is a specialised treatment in which a patient’s immune cells are modified in a laboratory to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. Though still expensive and available only in selected centres, experts say it has shown promising results in high-risk cases.
FOCUS NOW SHIFTING BEYOND SURVIVAL
Doctors say cancer care today is not only about saving lives but also about ensuring a good quality of life after treatment.
Many children who survive cancer go on to live normal and healthy lives. However, some may face long-term health complications because of intensive therapies received during childhood.
These issues may include heart problems, hormonal imbalance, fertility-related concerns, learning difficulties, or emotional and psychological stress.
Because of this, long-term follow-up care and survivorship programs are becoming an important part of pediatric cancer management. These programs help doctors monitor children even after treatment ends and provide support for their physical and mental well-being.
Experts stress that emotional support from families, schools, and healthcare providers also plays a major role in recovery and rehabilitation.
INDIA SEEING GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT
In India too, childhood cancer survival rates are improving steadily due to increased awareness, stronger cancer registries, and better access to specialised treatment centres.
However, doctors say challenges remain. Many children in India are diagnosed late because parents fail to recognise early warning signs or do not reach specialised hospitals in time.
Symptoms such as unexplained fever, frequent infections, unusual bleeding, persistent fatigue, swelling, or sudden weight loss should not be ignored, experts warn.
Timely referral, proper diagnosis, and strict adherence to treatment schedules can significantly improve outcomes.
Healthcare experts believe that improving access to advanced therapies across the country and strengthening pediatric cancer infrastructure can help save even more young lives in the coming years.
“Early diagnosis and uninterrupted treatment are extremely important in childhood cancer. With proper medical care and support, most children today have a strong chance of recovery,” Dr Chakraborty said.
