Why Childhood Cancer Deaths Are Higher In Poor Countries: Cancer in children is becoming a serious and growing concern around the world, but what is most worrying is that most of the cases and deaths are occurring in poor and middle-income countries. The Global Burden of Disease 2023 study published in The Lancet has revealed many shocking figures regarding this inequality. According to the report, in the year 2023, about 3.77 lakh new cases of cancer were reported in children across the world, while about 1.44 lakh children died, this disease has become one of the leading causes of death in children and is taking more lives than diseases like measles, TB and HIV/AIDS.
More deaths in low and middle income countries
The most worrying aspect is that about 94 percent of these deaths were recorded in low and middle income countries. That is, where resources are less, this disease is proving to be most fatal for children. Talking about India, about 17,000 children died due to cancer in 2023, making it the tenth biggest cause of death among children. According to Dr Swaroop Mitra, cancer expert, Cancer Care Hospital, Darbhanga, despite this, childhood cancer has not yet been given priority in India’s National Cancer Control Programme. For this, it is necessary that childhood cancer be immediately included in national cancer control plans.
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situation in south asia
South Asia remains the epicenter of this crisis, accounting for about 20.5 percent of the world’s total childhood cancer deaths. Apart from this, an increase of about 16.9 percent has also been seen in these deaths between 1990 and 2023. Although there is also a positive aspect that there has been some reduction in deaths globally, but its benefits have not reached all the countries equally. In high-income countries, children have more chances of survival due to better treatment, whereas in poor countries, lack of timely diagnosis and treatment is becoming a major obstacle.
What do experts say?
Lisa Force, the lead author of this study, says that this gap is arising due to inequality in health services. Late diagnosis, lack of necessary treatment and weaknesses in the health system are putting children’s lives at risk. The report also states that 85 percent of new cases of childhood cancer and 94 percent of deaths occur in these low and middle income countries. Additionally, 94 percent of DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) were also recorded in these countries, which shows that the impact of the disease is not limited to death, but also affects the quality of life of children.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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