Childhood cancer in India

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2020Source: Cancer EpidemiologyAuthor(s): Shuvadeep Ganguly, Sally Kinsey, Sameer BakhshiAbstractIndia has made significant improvement in childhood cancer services in last few decades. However, the outcome still remains modest as compared to global standards due to significant barriers in recognition, diagnosis and cure.Data regarding comprehensive childhood cancer burden in country is lacking due to low and urban predominant coverage of population-based cancer registry programs. The available data shows lower incidence of childhood cancer incidence especially in leukaemia and CNS tumours which may suggest poor awareness of caregivers and delayed diagnosis with many “missed cases”. Incidence data are also skewed towards male preponderance which suggests gender bias in seeking healthcare.The childhood cancer services in India are predominantly restricted to few tertiary care centres in major cities. The outcome in major groups of cancer is complicated by delayed and more advanced stage of presentation and poor supportive care during intensive treatment. Treatment refusal and abandonment remains major hurdles.Last few decades saw development of dedicated paediatric oncology services and training programs in the country. The development of InPOG (Indian Paediatric Oncology group) for conducting collaborative trials will lead to adoption of uniform treatment protocols suited for the country. Financial support through the governme...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research