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From biological susceptibility to environmental exposure, experts are uncovering why gender may play a role in cancer risk among children.
Childhood cancer: Recognizing these patterns is important for early diagnosis, research, and designing preventive strategies tailored to vulnerable groups.
When it comes to childhood cancers, predicting risk by sex is not straightforward. Unlike certain adult cancers, where gender differences are well established, childhood cancers do not always follow a clear pattern. However, data from global cancer registries indicate that boys tend to have a higher incidence of these cancers compared to girls. Studies suggest that overall, childhood cancers occur about 20–30% more frequently in boys. Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi shares all you need to know:
Looking at specific cancer types, conditions such as leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, and neuroblastomas are reported more often in boys. An exception is Wilms’ tumor (a type of kidney cancer), which is slightly more common in girls. This trend indicates that while childhood cancers can affect both genders, boys appear to have a somewhat higher vulnerability across several types.
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The reasons behind this gender difference are still being actively researched. One possible explanation lies in biological susceptibility. Boys may have inherent differences in immune system functioning and hormonal regulation compared to girls, which could make them more prone to developing cancers during their early years.
Another area of investigation is environmental and developmental exposure. Some researchers believe that boys may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of environmental pollutants, toxins, or other triggering factors, both during the prenatal period (while in the mother’s womb) and after birth. These exposures, combined with subtle genetic and biological differences, may partly explain the higher numbers observed in boys.
That said, the exact reasons for this discrepancy remain inconclusive. Current understanding highlights trends and possible contributing factors, but no single cause has been firmly established. Ongoing research in genetics, immunology, and environmental health is expected to provide deeper insights in the future.
In summary, while both boys and girls are at risk of developing childhood cancers, boys appear to have a moderately higher incidence across most cancer types. Recognizing these patterns is important for early diagnosis, research, and designing preventive strategies tailored to vulnerable groups.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 06, 2025, 11:43 IST
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