Childhood Cancer in India Ranks 10th Among Causes of Child Deaths

Experts recommend heightened awareness, access to healthcare, and proactive parental vigilance to end childhood cancer.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:55am

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A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that childhood cancer has become one of the top 10 causes of death among children in India, raising concerns about awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment accessibility. The study found that India has a high number of childhood cancer cases globally, with thousands of cases diagnosed annually. Delayed diagnosis due to lack of awareness among parents and unequal access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, are cited as key reasons for the issue.

Why it matters

Childhood cancer is a growing public health concern in India, and the findings highlight the pressing need to take action to save more young lives. Early detection can improve survival rates, but lack of awareness and access to healthcare remain significant barriers.

The details

The study shows that the most prevalent forms of childhood cancer in India are leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors like neuroblastoma. It further found that about 17,000 children died of cancer in 2023. Experts emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups, balanced nutrition, avoiding exposure to harmful substances, staying up-to-date on vaccines, and considering family history to improve outcomes.

  • The study was published in The Lancet Oncology in 2026.

The players

The Lancet Oncology

A medical journal that published the study on the rising prevalence of childhood cancer in India.

Dr. Dnyaneshwar Upase

A hemato-oncologist at Talegaon who emphasizes the importance of early detection to improve survival rates.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The global health organization that cites childhood cancer as a major cause of mortality among children and adolescents worldwide.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The organization that believes early diagnosis can improve survival rates for childhood cancer.

Mayo Clinic

A renowned healthcare organization that insists the sooner a child is diagnosed, the better the chances of improving treatment outcomes.

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What they’re saying

“Early detection can improve survival rates so parents must take their children for medical evaluation when they observe continuous symptoms.”

— Dr. Dnyaneshwar Upase, Hemato Oncologist

What’s next

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of awareness and access to specialized treatment centers to minimize the number of children dying of cancer in India.

The takeaway

The study highlights the urgent need to address the rising prevalence of childhood cancer in India through increased awareness, improved access to healthcare, and proactive parental vigilance to enable early detection and improve survival rates.