Childhood Cancer: 1.4 Lakh Deaths Globally in 2023, India & LMICs Hit Hardest
Global analysis reveals stark inequities in childhood cancer mortality.
Top Summary
- What happened: A global study estimates 377,000 new childhood cancer cases and 144,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.
- Why it matters: The study highlights significant disparities, with 94% of deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- What changes for people: Calls for increased investment in cancer control systems in LMICs, including better diagnosis and treatment access.
- Who is affected: Children with cancer, particularly in India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and other resource-limited settings.
Global Childhood Cancer Burden
A new analysis published in The Lancet reveals the devastating global impact of childhood cancer.
The study, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), estimates that there were 377,000 new cases and about 144,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.
Disparities in Healthcare Access
The report underscores significant inequities in healthcare access and treatment.
Notably, 94% of childhood cancer deaths and 85% of new cases occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Total childhood cancer deaths in 2023 were estimated at 17,000 in India, 16,000 in China, and around 9,000 each in Nigeria and Pakistan.
Trends in Mortality Rates
While global childhood cancer deaths decreased by 27% from 197,000 in 1990, they increased in Africa by 55.6%.
Childhood cancer ranks as the eighth leading cause of childhood deaths globally.
In low-middle sociodemographic index nations, including India, childhood cancer was the eleventh highest contributor to overall cancer deaths across all ages in 2023 and tenth highest contributor to the world's child disability-adjusted life years (DALY) in 2023.
Leading Causes of Death
Leukaemia was the highest contributor to childhood cancer deaths, accounting for 45,900 deaths globally.
Cancer of the brain and nervous system caused 23,200 deaths, followed by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (15,200).
Call for Action
Lead author Lisa Force emphasized the need for equitable access to treatment.
"While outcomes for many childhood cancers have improved in high-income countries, these gains have not been equitably shared,"
She added that:
"The vast majority of children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, where delays in diagnosis, lack of access to essential cancer treatment, and other health system limitations and barriers to care can contribute to disparities in childhood cancer burden."
The study recommends expanding investment in cancer control systems in LMICs.
This includes:
- Referral systems for timely diagnosis
- Workforce training
- Access to chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy
- Stronger cancer registration and surveillance systems
What to Watch Next
Future research should focus on identifying specific barriers to care in LMICs and developing targeted interventions to improve outcomes. Ongoing monitoring of childhood cancer trends is crucial to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies and address emerging challenges.