By Dr. Shraddha Chandak – Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist & Immunologist
When it comes to childhood illnesses, cancer is often the last thing parents suspect. Fever, fatigue, weight loss or pain are frequently misunderstood as infections, weakness, or nutritional deficiencies — leading to delayed diagnosis.
In reality, childhood cancers are one of the most treatable forms of cancer when identified early.
Sadly, awareness levels in India — especially in rural Maharashtra and the Marathwada region — remain extremely low.
As a Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist practicing in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), I see that the biggest gap is not lack of treatment — it is lack of awareness at the right time.
Fact Check: Childhood Cancer in India
- India sees 50,000+ new childhood cancer cases annually
- Most common types:
- Leukemia (blood cancer)
- Lymphomas
- Brain tumors
- Wilms tumor (kidney cancer)
- Neuroblastoma
- Bone cancers
- 70–80% of childhood cancers are treatable with timely intervention
- Late diagnosis is the biggest threat to survival, not the disease itself
Why Parents Often Miss the Warning Signs
Common Assumption | Reality |
“He is just weak” | Could be falling blood counts or leukemia |
“It’s normal fever again” | Could signal infection due to low immunity in cancer |
“Bone pain is due to playing” | Could be bone cancer or leukemia-related pain |
“He looks pale due to nutrition” | Could be severe anemia from blood cancer |
“The lump will go away” | Could be malignant swelling |
When symptoms persist, time becomes more valuable than hesitation.
When Should You See a Pediatric Oncologist?
Common Assumption | Reality |
“He is just weak” | Could be falling blood counts or leukemia |
“It’s normal fever again” | Could signal infection due to low immunity in cancer |
“Bone pain is due to playing” | Could be bone cancer or leukemia-related pain |
“He looks pale due to nutrition” | Could be severe anemia from blood cancer |
“The lump will go away” | Could be malignant swelling |
When symptoms persist, time becomes more valuable than hesitation.
Early Warning Signs Parents Should Take Seriously
Seek medical evaluation if your child has:
- Continuous fever lasting more than 7–10 days
- Unusual fatigue, paleness, weakness
- Frequent infections or slow recovery
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpit or groin
- Persistent bone or joint pain
- Sudden weight loss or poor appetite
- Lump in abdomen, near kidneys or bones
- Headaches with vomiting or vision issues
Rule of thumb: If something doesn’t feel right and doesn’t resolve — get it checked.
Myths vs Facts Every Parent Must Know
Myth | Fact |
Childhood cancer cannot be cured | Most childhood cancers are treatable and curable if diagnosed early |
Cancer is contagious | Cancer does not spread by contact |
Cancer happens due to diet or mobile phones | Not proven — it is mostly genetic or developmental, not lifestyle-induced |
Biopsy or surgery will spread cancer | Biopsy is essential for diagnosis and does not spread cancer |
Treatment is always unaffordable | Many options for government aid, NGO support, and treatment assistance exist |
How Paediatric Cancer Treatment Differs from Adult Cancer
✔ Children respond better to chemotherapy
✔ Treatment focuses on long-term survival and quality of life
✔ Doses and protocols are child-specific
✔ Rehabilitation is focused on growth, learning, and development
✔ The goal is cure + minimal long-term side effects
This is exactly why pediatric cancer should only be treated by a trained pediatric oncologist, not adult oncology protocols.
Available Treatment Approaches for Children
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy / Immunotherapy
- Radiation (in selected cases)
- Bone marrow / stem cell transplant if needed
- Supportive care (transfusions, infection management, IVIG when required)
Treatment plans are individualized based on cancer type, stage, child’s age, and tolerance.
The Most Common Mistake Parents Make
Trying multiple local treatments before seeing a specialist.
By the time the child reaches an oncologist, the disease may have progressed — not because it is untreatable, but because treatment was delayed.
What Every Parent Should Remember
- Do not ignore persistent symptoms
- Do not delay investigations
- Do not fear the word cancer
- Do choose a pediatric cancer specialist
- Do seek a second opinion if unsure
- Do believe in treatment — and in your child’s strength
Hope needs direction. Treatment gives that direction.
Pediatric Oncology & Immunology Care in Marathwada
Dr. Shraddha Chandak
MBBS, DCH, DNB, FIAP
Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist & Immunologist
Kpond Children’s Superspeciality Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra
+91 70583 80494