Karnataka is witnessing a gradual year-on-year rise in childhood cancer cases, underscoring the growing burden of paediatric malignancies in the State.
According to data from the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Karnataka’s estimated new cancer cases among children and adolescents in 2025 stood at 1,882, up from 1,801 in 2023 and 1,828 in 2024. Of the 1,882 estimated cases in 2025, Bengaluru has contributed an estimated 349 cases, reflecting an upward trajectory over the years.
In 2023, Karnataka recorded 1,801 childhood cancer cases – 938 boys and 863 girls. The following year saw a rise to 1,828 cases, with 952 boys and 876 girls. The estimated 2025 figures show a further increase, with 966 boys and 916 girls, indicating sustained growth in incidence across the State, said Naveen T., director (additional charge) at Kidwai, citing data from the Population-based Cancer Registry.
Need for urgent attention
Speaking to The Hindu, ahead of the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) observed on February 15, Dr. Naveen said that childhood cancers make up about 2.1% of all new cancers detected annually in Karnataka, where roughly 89,215 new cancer cases were recorded in 2025. “In Bengaluru, children are estimated to account for 2.1% of the city’s total cancer burden, with around 16,376 new cases detected in 2025 of which 349 are childhood cancers,” he said.
In Bengaluru, 328 cases were recorded in 2023 (167 boys and 161 girls) and 338 in 2024 (173 boys and 166 girls). The estimated 349 cases (178 boys; 171 girls) for 2025 reflect a gradual increase in reporting. “While absolute numbers are small compared with adult cancers, the increasing trend calls for urgent attention,” he pointed out.
Kidwai’s burden
At KMIO, the State’s apex Regional Cancer Centre, paediatric cancer caseloads remain significant. In 2024, the institute recorded 648 childhood cancer cases and 74 deaths, while in 2025 it reported 590 new cases and 37 deaths.
Arun Kumar A.R., professor and head of paediatric oncology at Kidwai, attributed improved outcomes to early referrals, timely diagnosis, prompt initiation of chemotherapy, comprehensive supportive care and intensive management.
KMIO provides comprehensive services including outpatient, inpatient and emergency care for children, supported by a 16-bed paediatric intensive care unit and a 65-bed dedicated ward. Treatment costs for families below the poverty line are covered under the Arogya Karnataka scheme, and several non-governmental organisations assist economically underprivileged patients from within and outside the State. The institute runs an autologous bone marrow transplant programme and is working towards introducing allogeneic transplantation services.
Leukaemia most common
Highlighting patterns and challenges, Dr. Kumar said leukaemia continues to be the most common childhood cancer, accounting for over 40% of cases in boys and more than one-third in girls. This is followed by lymphomas, tumours of the brain and nervous system, bone cancers and kidney cancers. Brain tumours are slightly more frequent among girls, he noted.
Dr. Kumar said that despite advancements in treatment, children in low- and middle-income countries still face hurdles such as delayed diagnosis, interruptions in therapy, and treatment abandonment. “With early detection and uninterrupted treatment, more than 70% of childhood cancers are curable,” he said.
Warning signs
Dr. Kumar urged parents to look out for warning signs including persistent unexplained fever, unusual swellings, unexplained pallor, easy bruising or bleeding, headaches with vomiting, prolonged fatigue, sudden weight loss, a white reflex in the eye, enlarged lymph nodes and night sweats. “Early diagnosis and timely intervention improve survival chances,” Dr. Kumar stressed.
Marking ICCD under the theme “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change,” doctors emphasised the need for greater awareness, early referrals and equitable access to specialised paediatric oncology care to address the rising trend of childhood cancers across Karnataka.
Published – February 12, 2026 10:12 pm IST
