The silent victims of cancer: the indirect repercussions for children

• Childhood cancers account for 4% of all cancer cases in India, with adult cases expected to rise.

• Children are silent victims of the hidden financial toll of cancer, affecting their future prospects.

• Cancer disrupts education, affecting the future of a nation and the economic empowerment of the next generation.

Indirect Costs of Cancer Treatment

• Loss of opportunity for education, non-medical expenses, and financial losses from diagnosis and treatment are significant indirect costs.

• Loss of income, travel and accommodation costs, and daily living expenses are significant burdens.

• Psychosocial and mental health impacts escalate the strain, with many patients and caregivers needing counselling or therapy, which is often unaffordable.

Government Schemes and Insurance

• Government-backed health insurance programmes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) have reduced direct medical costs for cancer patients in India.

• Disability riders in insurance plans provide financial support for cancer patients facing long-term disability.

• Indian Railways and Air India are offering discounted fares for patients and caregivers, while Himachal Pradesh and Haryana provide free bus travel for cancer patients.

The Way Forward

• Policies focus on reducing direct treatment costs, but easing the indirect burden through caregiver aid, educational support, and employment protections is equally crucial.

• Ensuring equitable education for cancer-affected families requires empathetic, multilevel action from government policies, CSR funding, state income support, and school-level interventions.