Cancer In Children: AIIMS Doctors Reveal How Survival Rates Have Changed Over 10 Years

Last Updated:September 24, 2025, 17:46 IST

Dr Aditya Kumar Gupta explained that recovery rates vary by cancer type, with some showing major improvements in survival, highlighting significant progress in treatment

Early detection, modern medications, and strong support services are boosting recovery rates. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

Cancer in children remains a serious concern in India, with around 70,000 new cases diagnosed annually. While timely treatment improves outcomes, delays can put lives at risk.

In a significant development in paediatric cancer treatment, the Department of Pediatric Oncology at AIIMS, New Delhi, has shared updated data and insights on childhood cancer treatment and survival rates.

Dr Rachna Seth, a Professor at the department, revealed that while less than 50 percent of children with cancer survived a decade ago, today the survival rate has increased to 75 percent. This improvement highlights the advancements in cancer treatment in India.

Dr Aditya Kumar Gupta further explained that the recovery rate varies depending on the type of cancer. For instance, in cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the cure rate has risen from 30 percent to 88 percent, indicating a major breakthrough.

Additionally, retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer, is curable in approximately 90 percent of cases. AIIMS receives between 450 and 500 new cancer diagnoses annually, with the most common types being leukaemia, lymphoma, retinoblastoma, brain tumours, and bone cancer.

Professor Seth elaborated that leukaemia and lymphoma are the most prevalent, accounting for about one-third of the cases, while retinoblastoma accounts for approximately one-quarter. Brain and bone cancers follow these.

Dr Seth also mentioned that many cancers have genetic links, though the exact causes of most remain unidentified. Notably, around 15 percent of cases recur after treatment, requiring more intensive care.

Most paediatric cancer patients at AIIMS come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, indicating disparities in cancer treatment availability across the country. Early detection and modern cancer medications, coupled with strong support services, are proving increasingly effective in improving recovery rates.

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Author: News18