Every parent dreams of a healthy, happy childhood for their little one. However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn when a child is diagnosed with cancer — a word that can cause fear and uncertainty in any family.
The good news is that childhood cancers are highly treatable, especially when detected and managed early.
Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director & Head – Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Gurgaon emphasizes that awareness, vigilance, and timely medical consultation are the keys to improving survival outcomes and giving children the best chance at life.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer refers to cancers that develop in children under the age of 15. Unlike adult cancers, which are often linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, most childhood cancers occur due to genetic mutations or developmental changes in growing cells.
The most common types include:
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Leukemia (blood cancer)
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Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
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Brain and spinal cord tumors
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Neuroblastoma (affecting nerve cells)
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Wilms’ tumor (kidney cancer)
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Bone cancers (Osteosarcoma, Ewing’s Sarcoma)
According to Dr. Vikas Dua, early detection is often the difference between life and loss. With advances in pediatric oncology, survival rates for many childhood cancers now exceed 80%, provided the disease is caught in its early stages.
Why Early Detection Matters
Cancer in children progresses faster than in adults because their cells divide more rapidly. This makes early diagnosis critical to preventing metastasis (spread of cancer) and enabling timely treatment.
Here’s why early detection saves lives:
1. Improves Treatment Success
When cancer is diagnosed early, it is often localized — meaning it hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. This makes treatment simpler, less invasive, and far more effective.
2. Reduces Complications
Late-stage cancers require aggressive treatments such as high-dose chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, which can have long-term side effects. Early detection helps minimize these risks.
3. Better Quality of Life
Children diagnosed early can often continue normal schooling, growth, and social development after treatment — something much harder when the disease is advanced.
4. Higher Survival Rates
Studies show that early-stage detection can increase survival rates in childhood leukemia and lymphoma by up to 90%.
“The earlier we diagnose, the better we can tailor treatment and ensure full recovery,” says Dr. Vikas Dua, one of India’s leading pediatric hemato oncologists.
Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore
Childhood cancers often mimic common infections or nutritional issues, which is why early signs are sometimes overlooked. Dr. Dua advises parents to seek medical consultation if the following symptoms persist beyond two weeks:
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Persistent fever or fatigue
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Unexplained weight loss
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Frequent infections
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Pale skin or easy bruising
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Persistent headaches or vomiting (especially in the morning)
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Swollen lymph nodes or abdomen
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Bone or joint pain
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Unexplained lumps or swellings
While these signs may not always indicate cancer, a thorough evaluation by a pediatric specialist is essential to rule out serious causes.
The Role of Pediatric Hemato Oncologists
Pediatric hemato oncologists like Dr. Vikas Dua specialize in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancers in children. They not only manage medical treatment but also provide emotional and psychological support to both patients and families throughout the journey.
Dr. Dua explains,“A child is not just a smaller adult. Their cancers behave differently, and so must their treatment. Every case demands specialized care, compassion, and precision.”
How Childhood Cancers Are Diagnosed
Early diagnosis involves a combination of medical tests and clinical evaluation:
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Blood Tests – To detect abnormal white or red blood cell counts.
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Bone Marrow Examination – Confirms leukemia or other blood-related cancers.
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Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) – Identifies tumors and checks if cancer has spread.
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Biopsy – Determines the type and grade of cancer cells.
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Genetic Testing – Helps customize treatment plans for better outcomes.
With advanced diagnostic technologies available at leading hospitals in Delhi NCR, such as those led by Dr. Vikas Dua, early and accurate diagnosis is now more accessible than ever.
Modern Treatment Options – Bringing Hope to Families
Once diagnosed, treatment plans are designed based on the type and stage of cancer. Common therapies include:
1. Chemotherapy
The cornerstone of childhood cancer treatment, chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
2. Radiation Therapy
Used in brain or bone tumors, radiation helps shrink tumors and prevent recurrence.
3. Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
For conditions like leukemia, thalassemia, or relapsed cancers, bone marrow transplants replace diseased cells with healthy donor stem cells.
Dr. Vikas Dua is among India’s top specialists in pediatric bone marrow transplants, offering curative treatment for complex cases.
4. Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
These modern approaches harness the body’s immune system and genetic profiling to attack cancer cells more precisely, reducing side effects.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Cancer treatment is not just physical—it affects a child’s emotions and confidence deeply. Dr. Dua’s team focuses on holistic care, offering psychological counseling, play therapy, and long-term rehabilitation support. “Healing a child means healing a family. Our approach goes beyond medicine—it’s about restoring hope,” says Dr. Vikas Dua.
Importance of Regular Checkups and Follow-ups
Even after successful treatment, regular follow-up visits are crucial to monitor for recurrence or long-term effects of therapy. These appointments also help in tracking growth, nutrition, and mental well-being.
Parents are advised to maintain close contact with their child’s oncology team and ensure adherence to all post-treatment care protocols.
Raising Awareness: The Power of Early Action
In India, many childhood cancer cases are detected late due to lack of awareness, social stigma, and limited access to specialists. This delay can be fatal.
Public health campaigns and medical experts like Dr. Vikas Dua are working tirelessly to educate parents, schools, and communities about the importance of early screening and prompt medical attention.
By spreading awareness, more children can receive timely treatment and lead long, healthy lives.
Why Choose Dr. Vikas Dua for Pediatric Cancer Care?
With extensive experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Vikas Dua has performed numerous successful bone marrow transplants and treated complex pediatric cancer cases.
His expertise in Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology, and BMT makes him one of the best pediatric oncologists in India.
Parents from across India, Kenya, Bangladesh, and the Middle East trust his care for their children’s treatment and recovery.
Conclusion
Early detection saves lives.
When it comes to childhood cancer, time truly matters. Recognizing symptoms early, consulting a qualified pediatric hemato oncologist, and initiating timely treatment can make all the difference between survival and suffering.
With experts like Dr. Vikas Dua, advanced technology, and growing awareness, childhood cancer is not a death sentence—it’s a battle that can be won with courage, care, and early action.
Consult Dr. Vikas Dua
Principal Director & Head – Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon – Delhi NCR
