For any parent, hearing the word “cancer” linked to their child is devastating—a moment filled with fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness. But over the past decade, doctors at AIIMS Delhi have been rewriting this story with remarkable progress. Childhood cancer survival rates at the premier institute have surged from just 40 percent to nearly 75 percent, offering new hope to families facing one of life’s toughest battles.
Professor Rachna Seth, Department of Pediatric Oncology at AIIMS, explains: “These figures are a ray of hope. Ten years ago, fewer than half of children diagnosed with cancer survived. Today, three out of four do. This shows how far pediatric oncology has come.”
Breakthroughs in Leukemia Treatment
According to Dr. Aditya Kumar Gupta, survival rates differ by cancer type but are consistently improving. Highlighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he said, “Earlier, the survival rate was around 30 percent. Today, it has risen to nearly 80 percent—one of the biggest breakthroughs in pediatric oncology.”
Eye Cancer Showing Remarkable Recovery
Retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer affecting very young children, has shown even better results. Dr. Jagdish Kumar Meena proudly shared, “The survival rate has reached 90 percent. This is one of the finest achievements in India’s pediatric cancer care.”
The Bigger Picture: 70,000 New Cases Every Year
Every year, India records nearly 70,000 new childhood cancer cases. Of these, AIIMS alone treats 450–500 fresh cases annually. The most common diagnoses include leukemia, lymphoma, retinoblastoma, brain tumors, and bone cancers.
Professor Seth noted that leukemia and lymphoma together account for almost one-third of cases, while retinoblastoma makes up about a quarter. Many young patients come from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, underscoring the gap in access to specialized pediatric oncology across India.
Awareness and Timely Treatment Are Key
One of the biggest reasons behind the improved survival rate is increased awareness among parents. Seeking medical help at the first sign of symptoms means treatment can begin without dangerous delays. As Professor Seth emphasizes, “Behind every survivor is a story of courage, medical advances, and the determination of families and doctors.”
