Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - Golden Efforts for Youngest Cancer Warriors

This month, September, the world unites under the golden banner for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This global initiative brings together the communities and medical professionals to raise awareness about pediatric cancer while honouring the courage of young fighters who inspire us all.

For easy access to healthcare, the nearby best cancer treatment in Bihar, with a multidisciplinary team, can offer comprehensive care and consultation for pediatric cancer patients.

Childhood Cancer: The Numbers That Matter

Every day, more than 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally. This statistic depicts that this childhood cancer needs more attention, crossing all boundaries of geography, culture, and economic status.

In India, according to the National Cancer Registry Programme, childhood cancers (0-14years) constitute 4.0% of all cancer cases. While this percentage might seem small, it represents thousands of young lives impacted by this cancer.

Among this data, lymphoid leukaemia (boys: 29.2% and girls: 24.2%) was the leading one. This information helps families and healthcare experts understand the most common types of pediatric cancers and prepare accordingly.

The situation presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement. 

According to the report of NCDIR India, India is projected to witness a 12.8% rise in cancer incidence by 2025. Also, childhood cancers are recognised as a major public health priority. However, less than half of hospitals in India have a reliable pediatric oncology department.

Types of Childhood Cancers You Should Be Aware of

Childhood cancers respond differently from adult cancers. They often develop in different parts of the body. The most common types are-

Leukaemia - It is considered the most common type of childhood cancer in India. But it also has excellent cure rates if caught early and treated properly. 

This is the cancer of blood and bone marrow, where abnormal white blood cells attack healthy ones.

Brain and Central Nervous System Tumours - These are the second most common type of childhood cancer in India. It is formed in the brain or spinal cord, and it can affect cognitive and motor functions. In this, treatment often requires a team approach of neurosurgeons, oncologists and specialists.

Lymphomas (Lymph Node) - This is cancer of the lymphatic system, which helps fight infections. It is successfully treatable with chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy.

It has two types - Hodgkin lymphoma, that is often seen in teens, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, more dangerous that affects younger children. 

Solid Tumours - Tumours that form in organs or tissues throughout the body other than blood or lymph, such as Neuroblastoma, Wilms Tumour, and Retinoblastoma. It varies according to cancer and treatment methods.

Warning Signs That Need Attention

It is hard, or maybe impossible, to prevent/stop childhood cancers, but early detection can make a significant difference in treatment. Parents must be attentive toward these warning signs if ever observe: 

• Unusual lumps or swelling anywhere on the body
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Frequent infections
• Persistent fever without an obvious cause
• Headaches get worse
• Changes in vision or eye appearance
• Suddenly weight loss
• Continuous pain in the bone or joints

These signs may seem normal, but if symptoms worsen and persist, it is highly recommended to consult with healthcare experts as soon as possible.

What Causes Childhood Cancer?

There are some risk factors, but unlike adult cancers, most childhood cancers do not have an exact known cause, and are not linked to lifestyle factors like smoking and so all.

The risk factors are - 

• Genetic Mutation - Some children inherit faulty genes from an ancestor, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

• Infections - Chronic infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, are linked to certain cancers, especially this is being noted in low and middle-income countries.

• Environmental Exposure - The place where radiation or chemical exposure occurred may play a role. 

Global Golden Campaign for a Brighter Future

The global initiative by the WHO partnered with hospital St. Jude in America for Childhood Cancer, which has the aim of achieving 60% survival (6 out of 10) from the most common pediatric cancer by 2030. That represents hope and potential for saving thousands of lives worldwide. 

For many years, organisations and NGOs worldwide have strived to build awareness for this cancer through the “Light It Up Gold” campaign. Throughout September, the world illuminates in gold to show solidarity with childhood cancer families.

The Golden badge is the symbolic colour of childhood cancer.

This campaign reminds us to keep childhood cancer awareness in public, encouraging support for research, treatments, and family support services in September 2025 and beyond.

How Can You Help?

You do not have to be a specialist to spread awareness, just do -

Spread the word - Distribute your knowledge of childhood cancer around, tell other parents the early signs of this cancer, as early detection can save lives.

Social Media - The one who is so active on social media platforms can make content on childhood cancer awareness with golden visuals. Even content creators contribute to this mission as they have many followers.

Donate - The people who can afford to contribute money to childhood cancer research must donate to help scientists develop new treatments.

Speak Up - Support policies that improve the healthcare system and make cancer treatment accessible to needy families.

Support Local Families - If you know any family whose child is going through this cancer, offer practical support to them, such as transport, guidance through the best cancer care hospital and volunteering.

Best Cancer Treatment in Bihar

The childhood cancer statistics are lower in Bihar; even then, the best cancer treatment can improve the suffering situation of families who are going through this.

The best cancer treatment comes from doctors and hospitals based on various factors such as -

• Pediatric doctor specialised in oncology
• Complete care teams
• Advanced test equipment
• Technology Support
• Specialist help

These are the qualities that care must be accessible to families in Bihar. Narayan Cancer Care, Patna, is one of the best hospitals where the best cancer specialists are available with these quality factors. We are making efforts to bring a golden time for children who are suffering from cancer.

Together, small actions create a real big impact!