Childhood Cancers Make Up 2% of Annual Cases in Karnataka

Quick summary

• Childhood cancers make up 2.1% of all new cancer cases annually in Karnataka and account for 1.4% of the state’s cancer-related deaths.
• Bengaluru sees 15,812 new cancer cases each year, with 339 (2.1%) being childhood cancers that contribute to 1.5% of the city’s cancer-related deaths.
• Kidwai Institute of Oncology (KMIO) registered 601 childhood cancer cases (0-14 years) in 2024, amounting to 4.6% of it’s caseload.
• Nationwide, india records about 14 lakh new cancer cases annually; childhood cancers constitute approximately 2.5% or around 35,240 cases and contribute to nearly 1.8% of total cancer-related deaths.
• Leukaemia is the most common type of childhood cancer in Bengaluru, followed by lymphomas, brain/nervous system tumors, bone cancers, and kidney cancers; brain tumors are slightly more frequent in girls than boys.
• Advances have improved gender equity in treatment registration for girls compared to past disparities.
• Delayed diagnosis and interrupted therapy remain critical challenges; early detection can substantially improve survival rates with proper treatment.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The data highlights a pressing need for stronger paediatric oncology services as childhood cancers remain a significant health challenge but are curable if diagnosed early and treated properly. While advancements in awareness have reduced gender disparities among registered patients, there is still room for improving access to specialised care across socio-economic groups.

The statistics underline how even though childhood cancers comprise a smaller segment proportionally compared to adult ones nationwide (2-2.5%), their profound emotional impact on families demands prioritisation at policymaking levels focusing on support systems alongside medical facilities.Efforts like KMIO’s awareness campaigns during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month play an essential role not only by educating parents about symptoms but also encouraging timely interventions-a step towards mitigating delays that currently pose major hurdles across various regions within India.read more: Published – September 19,2025