बच्चों में कैंसर — कई प्रकार का इलाज संभव है। समय पर सही अस्पताल पहुँचना और इलाज पूरा करना सबसे ज़रूरी है।
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Hearing that your child may have cancer is one of the hardest moments a family can face. But there is real hope: in well-equipped centres, around 8 in 10 children with cancer survive. In India many children do not reach the right hospital in time, or stop treatment midway because of cost, travel or fear. This guide helps parents know the signs, the treatment, and where to get help.
Common cancers in children
- Leukemia (blood cancer), especially ALL — the most common.
- Brain and spinal cord tumours.
- Lymphoma (lymph glands).
- Retinoblastoma (eye), usually under age 5.
- Wilms tumour (kidney) and neuroblastoma.
- Bone tumours (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma) in teenagers, and soft tissue sarcomas.
Warning signs parents should not ignore
- Paleness, tiredness, frequent fevers, or unusual bruising and bleeding.
- A lump or swelling in the tummy, neck, armpit, or a limb.
- A white glow or “cat’s eye” in the pupil in photos, or a new squint.
- Morning headaches with vomiting, changes in walking, balance or vision.
- Bone or joint pain that wakes the child at night, or a limp.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Most of these signs have simple causes. But if they last more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a blood test and, if needed, a referral to a paediatric oncologist.
Not sure what your doctor said? Our counselors can help you prepare questions for your next appointment and explain your options for cost support. Call +91 99307 09000 or message us on WhatsApp.
How childhood cancer is diagnosed
Depending on the signs, tests may include a CBC, bone marrow test, ultrasound, CT or MRI, eye examination under anaesthesia, and a biopsy. Children often need sedation for scans; the hospital will guide you on fasting. See biopsy explained.
Treatment
- Chemotherapy — the main treatment for leukemia and many solid tumours, often given over months to 2–3 years for ALL.
- Surgery — to remove solid tumours such as Wilms tumour.
- Radiation therapy (sikai) — used carefully in children, sometimes with anaesthesia so the child stays still.
- Targeted therapy, immunotherapy and bone marrow transplant — for selected cases.
- Supportive care — infection prevention, nutrition, pain control, schooling and emotional support.
Treatment should be given at a centre with a paediatric oncology team. Children are not “small adults”; doses and care differ.
The most important rule: complete the treatment
Many children in India “abandon” treatment midway — the family feels the child looks better, money runs out, or they try other remedies. Stopping early allows the cancer to return in a harder-to-treat form. If cost or travel is a problem, tell the hospital social worker or call us. Help exists.
Financial and practical help
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covers many paediatric cancer packages. See Ayushman card.
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi and the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant for poor patients at government hospitals.
- Childhood cancer NGOs often support stay, food and travel near big centres. See low-cost stay and travel and financial support.
Caring for the whole family
Brothers and sisters also need attention and simple explanations. Parents need rest and someone to talk to. See talking to children about cancer and caregiver burnout. After treatment, regular follow-up checks growth, learning, heart and fertility.
Frequently asked questions
Bachon ka cancer theek hota hai kya?
Many childhood cancers can be cured. About 8 in 10 children survive at well-equipped centres when treatment is started early and completed.
Is childhood cancer caused by something parents did?
Almost never. Most childhood cancers are not linked to anything parents did or could prevent.
Can my child go to school during treatment?
Often in between cycles, with the doctor’s OK and care to avoid infections.
Is it hereditary?
Only a small number, such as some retinoblastomas, run in families. Ask about genetic counselling. See our guide on inherited cancer risk.
What if we cannot afford treatment?
Talk to the hospital social worker and to us. Ayushman card, government funds and NGOs can help.
You don’t have to face this alone. Ask Disha (chat on this page), call +91 99307 09000, or WhatsApp us. For hospital care in Uttar Pradesh, see ZenHeal Varanasi and ZenHeal Prayagraj.
Related guides
Sources
- WHO: Childhood cancer fact sheet and Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer
- NCI: Cancer in Children and Adolescents — cancer.gov
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics / InPOG (Indian Pediatric Oncology Group) publications
- Ministry of Health: Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi guidelines
Request a Cancer Counselor Callback
For patients and families across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: for questions about reports, treatment options, costs or the Ayushman card, leave your name and phone number to request a callback from a patient counselor. काउंसलर से कॉलबैक का अनुरोध करने के लिए अपना नाम और फ़ोन नंबर छोड़ें।
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