Health experts have warned that around 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Pakistan every year, but fewer than 30 percent survive, primarily due to delayed diagnosis, limited treatment facilities, and financial constraints.
The concern was highlighted during a childhood cancer awareness session titled “Health Wise,” organized by Indus Hospital & Health Network.
Global Childhood Cancer Burden and Disparities
Experts noted that nearly 400,000 children and adolescents worldwide develop cancer each year, with almost 80 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
While survival rates in developed countries range between 80 and 85 percent, outcomes in developing nations like Pakistan remain significantly lower due to late detection and lack of access to specialized pediatric oncology care.
Most Childhood Cancers Are Curable if Detected Early
Speaking at the session, Dr. Naeem Jabbar, Consultant Pediatric Haematology-Oncology, emphasized that most childhood cancers are highly curable when diagnosed and treated in time.
“Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers usually have no clearly defined cause and are not linked to lifestyle factors. With timely and appropriate treatment, cure rates can reach up to 85 percent,” he said.
Key Reasons Behind Low Survival Rates in Pakistan
According to experts, poor survival outcomes in Pakistan are mainly due to:
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Delayed recognition of early symptoms
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Inadequate supportive care
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Shortage of trained pediatric oncology specialists
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Limited access to specialized treatment centers
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High rates of treatment abandonment due to financial hardship
Common Types of Childhood Cancer
Medical experts identified the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancers in Pakistan as
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Leukemia
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Lymphoma
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Brain and spinal tumors
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Bone tumors
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Soft tissue sarcomas
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Neuroblastoma
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Wilms tumor
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Retinoblastoma
They stressed that chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy are effective treatment options when initiated early.
Late Presentation Remains the Biggest Challenge
Responding to media queries, Dr. Shumail Ashraf, Consultant Pediatric Oncology and Executive Director of the Medical Services Directorate, said late presentation of patients remains the biggest hurdle in improving survival rates.
He revealed that the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department in Karachi registers around 1,000 new cases annually. Since 2014, more than 16,000 children have received treatment, while approximately 1,300 patients are currently undergoing treatment at any given time.
Dispelling Myths Around Childhood Cancer
Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. Muhammad Rafi Raza, Consultant Pediatric Oncology, clarified that childhood cancer is not contagious and does not spread through physical contact.
“Cancer does not always mean death. Early diagnosis and proper treatment significantly improve survival chances,” he said.
Call for Awareness and Early Diagnosis
Experts stressed that early diagnosis saves lives and urged parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and media professionals to play an active role in raising awareness about early warning signs of childhood cancer.
They emphasized that timely medical attention can ensure every child has an equal chance at life, regardless of financial or social background.
