How does malnutrition impact childhood cancer in India? Expert weighs in

New Delhi: Malnutrition plays a significant role in depleting health or causing cancer in children. According to the Women and Child Development (WCD), around 17 per cent of children are underweight in India, while 36 per cent are stunted and 6 per cent are wasted. India’s malnutrition rate is quite high compared to other countries. A malnourished child has very little ability to tolerate aggressive cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
In conversation with News9Dr Shweta Bansal, Head – of Paediatric Heamato Oncology & Paediatric BMT – Medical Oncology said, “Childhood cancer is a serious global health concern, particularly in poor nations such as India, where malnutrition is widespread. According to recent statistics, 57-61 per cent of children with cancer in India are underweight, which complicates treatment outcomes. Malnutrition lowers the immune system, impairs the body’s ability to fight cancer, and diminishes tolerance to therapies.”
Link between malnutrition and childhood cancer
According to Dr Bansal, “Children from economically disadvantaged families are especially vulnerable, as insufficient availability of nutritional food contributes to malnutrition. The metabolic demands of cancer, combined with the adverse effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation (nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss), exacerbate the problem. Low socioeconomic levels, food instability, and inadequate nutritional support in healthcare settings all worsen the problem.”
“Malnutrition has a significant impact on cancer therapy results. Malnourished children are less able to withstand vigorous therapies, which increases the risk of infections and consequences. Chemotherapy side effects are frequently more severe, and poor nutrition can compromise liver and renal function, resulting in medication toxicity. Treatment delays, dose reductions, lengthier hospital stays, and increased treatment expenditures are all prevalent, lowering survival rates.”
Managing the condition
Managing this twin responsibility necessitates a thorough solution. Early nutritional assessment and intervention should be incorporated into cancer treatment, with personalized diet programs that include high-protein foods, vitamins, and calorie-dense meals. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Cuddles, and international organizations must collaborate to support low-income families with food and educational resources. For malnourished children with cancer, improving nutritional support can increase their chances of recovery and treatment success.