Every Child Deserves a Future: Why Early Recognition of Childhood Cancer Can Save Precious Lives

Introduction

As we celebrate Children’s Day, I am reminded of the countless young faces that walk into my clinic — some anxious, some brave, some fighting battles far too big for their tiny bodies. And yet, behind every child stands a story of hope, courage, and an unbreakable human spirit.

The image above reflects the world I believe in — a world where children are healthy, joyful, protected, and given every chance to thrive. But for many families, this world is shattered when a cancer diagnosis enters their lives.

The truth is simple — childhood cancer is curable.

More than 70–90% of childhood cancers can be cured when diagnosed early and treated in the right hands.

And yet, in India, many children are brought to us too late — after months of fever, pain, weight loss, or unexplained swelling — symptoms that were mistaken for “just an infection” or “weakness.”

Every delay costs us precious time. Every missed sign risks a child’s future.

Childhood Cancer CAN Be Cured — When We Act Early

As a Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist and BMT Physician in Mumbai, I meet families every day who come to us believing cancer is the end.

But treatment today is not the same as it was decades ago.

Children respond beautifully to treatment. Their bodies recover faster, and their spirits heal even quicker.

Every time I see a child ring the “end of treatment bell,” I am reminded that early diagnosis is not just medical — it is magical. It gives families back their child, their laughter, their future.

Recognising Early Signs Saves Lives

Parents should never ignore:

• Persistent fever
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Sudden paleness and fatigue
• Bone pain or limping
• Headaches with vomiting
• Painless lumps
• Sudden weight loss
• Eye or vision changes
• Abdominal swelling

If even one of these continues for more than 2 weeks, early evaluation by a pediatric specialist can make all the difference.

A Message From My Heart This Children’s Day

Every child in the picture represents the children I fight for every single day.

Their dreams, their smiles, their futures — this is what drives me.

This is why I advocate for stronger awareness, faster diagnosis, and access to world-class care for every child, regardless of financial background.

No parent should ever lose a child to a disease that we already know how to cure.

And no child should ever be denied a future simply because signs were missed or help came too late.

Our Children Are Our Future — Let’s Protect Them

On this Children’s Day, let us commit to:

• Spreading awareness
• Recognising early symptoms
• Encouraging timely medical evaluation
• Supporting families emotionally and financially
• Building a community where every child has a chance to live, learn, laugh, and grow

– Dr Shweta Bansal

Pediatrician | Hemato-Oncologist | BMT Physician

Mumbai

Dr. Shweta Bansal is a Pediatrician, Hemato-Oncologist, and BMT Physician in Mumbai. She is a leading expert in the field of pediatric oncology and has helped countless children with cancer and blood disorders.

Know More about Dr Shweta Bansal

Caring for children, saving lives, and building a brighter future — one child at a time.