Karnataka is witnessing a gradual year-on-year rise in childhood cancer cases, underscoring the growing burden of paediatric malignancies in the State.
According to data from the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Karnataka’s estimated new cancer cases among children and adolescents in 2025 stood at 1,882, up from 1,801 in 2023 and 1,828 in 2024. Of the 1,882 estimated cases in 2025, Bengaluru has contributed an estimated 349 cases, reflecting an upward trajectory over the years.
In 2023, Karnataka recorded 1,801 childhood cancer cases - 938 boys and 863 girls. The following year saw a rise to 1,828 cases, with 952 boys and 876 girls. The estimated 2025 figures show a further increase, with 966 boys and 916 girls, indicating sustained growth in incidence across the State, said Naveen T., director (additional charge) at Kidwai.
About 2.1%
Speaking to The Hindu, ahead of the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) observed on February 15, Dr. Naveen said that childhood cancers make up about 2.1% of all new cancers detected annually in Karnataka, where roughly 89,215 new cancer cases were recorded in 2025. “In Bengaluru, children are estimated to account for 2.1% of the city’s total cancer burden, with around 16,376 new cases detected in 2025 of which 349 are childhood cancers,” he said.
