Introduction: Why Is Childhood Cancer Increasing?
In recent years, a troubling question has captured the attention of health experts and parents alike: why is childhood cancer increasing? Once considered a rare disease, cancer among children is now being diagnosed more frequently across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year — a figure that continues to rise. This growing trend raises critical concerns about environmental exposures, genetic factors, modern lifestyles, and even medical advancements that detect cancer earlier than before. Understanding the root causes behind this surge is essential not only for prevention and early diagnosis but also for shaping better policies and healthcare responses worldwide
History of Cancer
why is childhood cancer increasing? The history of the term cancer is very ancient, with records dating back to around 3000 B.C.
Ancient Egypt (3000 B.C.):
Imhotep, the father of Egyptian medicine, described a form of cancer in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. He recorded a case of a tumor and wrote that it was an incurable disease at that time that could not be treated with surgery.
Hippocrates (400 B.C.):
The Greek physician used the term “Karkinos”, meaning crab, because the spreading finger-like projections of cancer resembled a crab moving through water.
Galen (200 A.D.):
He used the word “Oncos” to describe tumors, from which the modern term oncology (study of cancer) is derived.
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🧬 What is Cancer?
Why Is Childhood Cancer Increasing?
Cancer is a serious disease where cells in any part of the body start growing uncontrollably and may spread to other parts.
Normally, body cells grow in a regulated manner, and old or damaged cells die. But in cancer, this control fails.
These uncontrolled cells form a tumor and may spread to nearby or distant organs — a process called metastasis.
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⚠️ Common Symptoms of Cancer
Why Is Childhood Cancer Increasing?
Regardless of the organ affected, many cancers share common warning signs. These include:
- Extreme Fatigue – Constant tiredness, even after rest
- Unexplained Weight Loss – Losing weight without any known reason
- Lumps or Swelling – Often the first visible sign of cancer
- Non-healing Sores – Sores, especially on the skin or private areas, that don’t heal
- Unusual Bleeding – Blood from the nose, in stool, or urine
- Persistent Pain – Continuous and unexplained pain
- Chronic Cough or Hoarseness – Could be a sign of lung cancer
🩺 Symptoms by Cancer Type
1. Breast Cancer
- Lump or hardness in the breast
- Bleeding from the nipple
- Changes in skin texture (dimpling)
- Change in size or shape of the breast
2. Lung Cancer
- Persistent cough or phlegm
- Coughing up blood
- Breathing difficulties
- Voice changes
3. Colorectal Cancer
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea/constipation)
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain or bloating
4. Prostate Cancer
- Pain during urination
- Reduced urine flow
- Blood in urine
5. Skin Cancer
- New or unusual moles
- Changes in existing moles
- Skin surface changes, bleeding
6. Cervical/Uterine Cancer
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
7. Blood Cancer (Leukemia)
- Frequent fatigue
- Recurrent fevers
- Easy bruising or bleeding
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🧬 Major Types of Cancer
1️⃣ Carcinoma
Description:
This type of cancer originates in the epithelial tissues that cover the outside or inside surfaces of organs.
It is the most commonly seen form of cancer.
Examples:
- Breast carcinoma
- Lung carcinoma
- Prostate carcinoma
- Colon cancer
Symptoms:
- Lump or swelling
- Persistent cough or phlegm
- Breathing difficulty
- Pain in hardened areas
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2️⃣ Sarcoma
Description:
This cancer grows in connective tissues such as muscles, bones, fat, or blood vessels.
It is more commonly found in young people.
Examples:
- Osteosarcoma (bone sarcoma)
- Liposarcoma (fat tissue)
- Leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle)
Symptoms:
- Lump in the affected area
- Deep pain
- Severe pain while moving
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3️⃣ Leukemia
Description:
This is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, where abnormal white blood cells multiply excessively.
It does not appear as a tumor.
Examples:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Symptoms:
- Frequent fevers
- Excessive bleeding
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of appetite
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4️⃣ Lymphoma
Description:
This cancer begins in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system.
Examples:
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits)
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
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5️⃣ Melanoma
Description:
This is a highly dangerous type of skin cancer that originates in melanocyte cells, which produce melanin.
Symptoms:
- Changes in an existing mole or new mole
- Dark or irregular patches
- Enlargement or color change in a mole
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6️⃣ Myeloma
Description:
This is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Example:
- Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms:
- Bone pain
- Fragile bones or easy fractures
- Anemia
- Frequent infections
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7️⃣ Brain Tumor
Description:
This cancer grows either inside the brain or on its surrounding membranes.
Examples:
- Glioblastoma
- Meningioma
Symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Vision problems
- Memory issues
- Vomiting
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8️⃣ Colorectal Cancer
Description:
This cancer originates in the colon (large intestine) or rectum.
Symptoms:
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
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✅ Summary Table:
| Type | Origin Tissue/Organ | Major Symptoms |
| Carcinoma | Skin, breast, lungs | Lump, breathing issues |
| Sarcoma | Bone, muscle | Local pain, swelling |
| Leukemia | Blood, bone marrow | Fever, fatigue, bleeding |
| Lymphoma | Lymph nodes | Swelling, night sweats |
| Melanoma | Skin | Changing moles, dark spots |
| Myeloma | Bone marrow | Bone pain, anemia, infections |
| Brain Tumor | Brain | Headache, memory loss |
| Colorectal | Colon, rectum | Abdominal pain, bleeding |
Here’s the English translation of your detailed Kannada text on cancer causes, statistics, and preventive diet:
Causes of Cancer:
1. Genetic and Hereditary Factors
- Genetic mutations: Some individuals may inherit abnormal or mutated genes that increase their susceptibility to cancer.
- Family history: A family with a high number of cancer cases can indicate a genetic predisposition.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes: These specific genes play a major role in breast and ovarian cancers.
2. Environmental and External Factors
- Air Pollution: Air pollution, especially due to volatile hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide (CO₂), is a strong cancer-causing factor.
- Radiation Exposure: Excessive radiation exposure (e.g., from nuclear testing or harmful radiations) significantly increases cancer risk.
- Hormonal and chemical exposures: Pesticides, dyes, chemical disinfectants, and estrogen-based compounds may trigger cancer.
- Tobacco and smoking: Tobacco use and its products are major causes of lung, oral, and throat cancers.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver and other organs, leading to cancer.
- Unhealthy diet: High fat, high sugar, protein-deficient, processed, and fast food-based diets can contribute to cancer development.
4. Physical Activity
- Lack of physical activity: Insufficient physical exercise reduces body metabolism and increases cancer risk.
5. Age
- Old age: The incidence of cancer is higher in older age due to increased cellular mutations over time.
6. Hormonal Imbalances
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances are linked to cancers of the bladder, breast, and reproductive system.
7. Infections
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV is a major cause of cervical and other reproductive system cancers.
- HBV & HCV (Hepatitis B & C): These viruses are linked to liver cancer.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): This bacterium is associated with stomach cancer.
8. Childhood Cancer
- Congenital or early detection cases are common among childhood cancer diagnoses.
🌍 Global Cancer Statistics (2025)
- New cases: Around 2,041,910 new cancer cases expected worldwide in 2025.
- Deaths: Estimated 618,120 deaths from cancer globally in 2025.
- Breast cancer: Most common cancer among women, with 316,950 new cases expected.
- Lung cancer: More common in men than in women.
- Higher prevalence: Found mostly in developed countries.
🇮🇳 India Cancer Statistics (2025)
- New cases: About 157,000 new cancer cases expected in India.
- Deaths: An estimated 556,400 people expected to die annually from cancer.
- Common cancers:
- Men: Kidney, stomach, and throat cancers.
- Women: Breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers.
- Age impact: 71% of cancer-related deaths occur in the 30 to 69 age group.
👶 Childhood Cancer Stats (2025)
Why Is Childhood Cancer Increasing?
- Globally: Around 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year.
- India: Annually, 50,000–60,000 new childhood cancer cases are reported.
(Source: ICMR, WHO 2024–25 estimates)
📈 Future Projections
- Increase: Cancer cases in India are projected to rise to 29.8 million by 2025 from 26.7 million in 2021.
(Source: Mint) - Regional variation: Northern and eastern regions show higher cancer rates.
🥦 Cancer-Preventive Diet
Based on scientific research and global health organization recommendations, the following diets are considered effective in reducing cancer risk:
✅ 1. Natural and Semi-Raw Foods
- Fruits: Oranges, grapes, strawberries, pineapple – rich in antioxidants that fight cancer cells.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens (fenugreek leaves, mint, cabbage), broccoli, carrots, tomatoes – all have cancer-fighting properties.
- Compounds: Sulforaphane, lycopene, beta-carotene – natural anti-cancer chemicals.
✅ 2. Whole Grains and Beans
- Whole grains: Bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), brown rice, wheat.
- Beans and pulses: Good sources of protein and fiber that reduce cancer risks.
✅ 3. More Plant-Based, Less Meat
- Processed or red meats are linked to a higher risk of colon cancer.
- Instead, choose chickpeas, beans, tofu, pumpkin seeds, and nuts.
✅ 4. Use Healthy Fats Instead of Refined Oils
- Olive oil and light oils with fatty acids can help prevent cancer cell growth.
✅ 5. Avoid Sugary and Artificial Beverages
- Excess sugar increases obesity risk, which is associated with breast and colon cancer.
- Avoid soft drinks, synthetic dyes, and soda-based beverages.
✅ 6. Consume Healthy Drinks
- Green tea: Contains catechins, strong antioxidants.
- Turmeric water, lemon water, bael leaf decoction: Recommended in Indian Ayurveda for their natural vitamin content and preventive properties.
❗ Challenges in Cancer Control
1. 🎯 Lack of Early Detection
In India, a large number of people are unaware that they have cancer.
Screening facilities are limited, which results in most cases being detected at a late stage.
2. 💰 High Cost of Treatment
Therapies, chemotherapy, and surgeries in private hospitals can cost several lakhs of rupees.
For poor families, these expenses are extremely burdensome.
3. 🏥 Lack of Access to Quality Healthcare
There is a shortage of treatment centers in rural areas or for early-stage interventions.
Specialist doctors and proper facilities are not available everywhere.
4. 🧠 Lack of Awareness
Many people lack sufficient information about this disease.
There is stigma, fear, and misinformation in society – all of which lead to delayed treatment.
5. 📊 Lack of Public Nutritional Education
People rarely understand the connection between diet and cancer.
Proper guidance on sustainable dietary habits should begin at the school level.
6. 🧬 Low Focus on Local Research
Even though significant funding and human resources are needed to develop medicines and therapies suited to the Indian population, they remain limited.
🔁 Internal Links (Suggested Reads)
- Effects of Tobacco Consumption
- How Diet Affects Health
- Common Cancers in Indian Women
- Palliative Care for Late-Stage Cancer
🌐 External References
📌 Conclusion
Why Is Childhood Cancer Increasing?
Cancer is one of the major challenges faced by humanity in modern times. Technological advancement, ongoing medical research, and awareness initiatives all play a vital role in the fight against cancer.
Early detection and timely treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and undergoing regular health check-ups can help bring this disease under control.
Most importantly, we must overcome the fear surrounding cancer and embrace scientific knowledge and confidence to make positive changes in life. Detecting cancer in time and ensuring effective treatment should be seen as a humanitarian duty.
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