Childhood Leukaemia Can Hide Behind Common Illnesses, Says Pediatric Oncologist

Could your child’s recurring fever, fatigue, or pale appearance be more than just a passing illness?

Beware, it could be Leukaemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It can often be difficult to detect early because its symptoms may resemble common childhood illnesses like the seasonal flu, anemia or viral infections, warns Dr. Gauri Kapoor, Medical Director Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), Niti Bagh and Director – Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, RGCIRC.

“However, these signs should raise concern, especially if they are persistent or appear together.”

Dr. Kapoor points out, other warning symptoms include pale skin (suggestive of anaemia), easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck, armpits, or groin), and persistent bone or joint pain, often mistaken for growing pains.

Because these symptoms are often vague and non-specific, they can easily be overlooked. If your child experiences any of these symptoms — particularly if they persist, worsen, or don’t respond to usual treatment — it’s important to consult a doctor, advises the Pediatric Oncologist.

Early diagnosis can greatly improve treatment outcomes and give your child the best chance at recovery.

“Recognising these signs early and seeking timely medical evaluation can make a crucial difference in diagnosing and treating blood cancers in children,” Dr. Kapoor tells Outlook Health.

Leukaemia is the most common cancer in children and adolescents, accounting for nearly half of all paediatric cancer cases in India. Each year, the country sees more than 50,000 new childhood cancer cases, and a large proportion of them are leukaemia, notes Dr. Kapoor.

Among these, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is the most prevalent, especially in children between 2 to 10 years of age.

Fortunately, medical advancements have significantly improved treatment outcomes in recent years. “Thanks to modern paediatric oncology, the survival rates for childhood leukaemia have improved dramatically,” says Dr. Kapoor. “Cure rates for ALL now exceed 80% when diagnosed early.”

She reassures parents that a diagnosis of leukaemia is not the end of hope. “We’ve seen breakthroughs in diagnostics, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and advanced drug delivery systems that have transformed not just survival, but the quality of life for our young patients.”

Studies suggest that when leukaemia is detected early, five-year survival rates can exceed 90%. Dr. Kapoor urges parents to stay vigilant. “As a parent, your instincts are powerful. If something feels off, trust that feeling and consult a specialist. Early action can give your child the best possible chance at life.”

Dr. Gauri Kapoor, Medical Director Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), Niti Bagh and Director – Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, RGCIRC