State sees over 1,500 pediatric cancer cases a year, doctors flag ultra-processed food

KARNATAKA has been reporting more than 1,500 cases of pediatric cancer annually, with blood cancer the most common form of the disease among both boys and girls, according to the Population-Based Cancer Registry in Bengaluru.

- RISHITA KHANNA @Bengaluru

The statistics were highlighted by Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil in response to a question raised in the Legislative Council. The response stated that chemotherapy is the primary mode of treatment for childhood cancers, used in 73% of cases. Around 12% of patients receive radiation therapy, mainly for brain and nervous system cancers, while surgical intervention is carried out in 7% of the cases.

Modern treatments such as targeted therapy and hypnotherapy are also being introduced.