Boys vs girls: Who is more at risk of childhood cancer? Oncologist reveals prevention tips

Up to date on: Sept 22, 2025 06:41 pm IST Dr. Sudha Sinha shared that boys are extra vulnerable to childhood most cancers than women. Know the tricks to stop childhood most cancers. Most cancers is usually related to adults, however there’s a kind of most cancers that may have an effect on youngsters as properly. Childhood most cancers, though uncommon, is on a steep rise all around the world. In an interview with HT Life-style, Dr. Sudha Sinha, Scientific director and HOD, Medical Oncology, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad mentioned, “Whereas these sicknesses are uncommon, they are often devastating for households. Boys are barely extra in danger than women for creating sure kinds of childhood cancers.” Additionally learn | Oncologist debunks 5 myths about childhood most cancers: Is it at all times deadly? Boys are barely extra vulnerable to childhood most cancers than women.(Picture by Pixabay) Boys vs. women: Who’s extra weak?“Cancers equivalent to leukaemia, lymphoma, mind tumours, and neuroblastoma are recognized extra steadily in boys. One exception is Wilms’ tumour (a sort of kidney most cancers), which is seen a little bit extra typically in women,” the oncologist mentioned. Why this distinction? The explanations are nonetheless being studied, however a number of elements might play a job: Organic: Variations in immune system perform and hormone regulation between girls and boys.Environmental exposures: Boys could also be extra weak to pollution, toxins, or prenatal exposures.Genetic influences: Refined genetic variants would possibly predispose boys to sure cancers, although proof stays incomplete.Can childhood most cancers be prevented?The physician mentioned that in contrast to adults, youngsters normally don’t have lifestyle-related threat elements equivalent to smoking or alcohol use. “Nonetheless, environmental exposures, maternal well being throughout being pregnant, and sure infections or situations can affect threat. Whereas not each most cancers is preventable, households can take significant steps to decrease dangers,” Dr. Sudha Sinha mentioned. Additionally learn | Oncologist lists 5 childhood most cancers crimson flags: Fever, fatigue, lumps and extra Know tricks to stop childhood most cancers. Tricks to stop childhood most cancers:Throughout being pregnant:Keep away from greater than two cups of espresso day by day (linked to greater threat of childhood leukaemia).Eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruit day by day; at the least two servings of contemporary fruits a day present antioxidant safety for the newborn.Keep away from frequent consumption of grilled, barbecued, smoked, or deep-fried meals.Take prenatal nutritional vitamins with folic acid as they’ll scale back the chance of leukaemia and mind tumours in youngsters.Keep away from extra fatty meats and seafood, and refined vegetable oils (sunflower, soy).Preserve a wholesome weight and lively way of life. Fitter moms usually tend to have more healthy infants.Keep away from alcohol and smoking (together with passive publicity from relations).Breastfeed if attainable. Breastfeeding lowers the chance of childhood leukaemia by about 10%, and by almost 20% when continued for six months or longer.Select clear, balanced vitamin with entire grains, lentils, nuts, and contemporary home-cooked meals are safer than extremely processed or oily meals.For younger youngsters:Encourage outside play and bodily exercise; restrict display screen time.Guard towards pesticide and chemical publicity at residence and office.Defend from air air pollution (dense visitors zones linked with greater leukaemia threat).Keep away from pointless X-rays and CT scans.Use sunscreen for outside actions.Guarantee early screening for siblings of youngsters with hereditary cancers like retinoblastoma.Monitor youngsters with infections or genetic situations (HIV, Down syndrome, Epstein-Barr virus) extra carefully.For youngsters:Word to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation. At all times search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation. Catch each huge hit, each wicket with Crick-it, a one cease vacation spot for Dwell Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & rather more. Discover now!.Catch your day by day dose of Vogue, Taylor Swift, Well being, Festivals, Journey, Relationship, Recipe and all the opposite Newest Life-style Information on Hindustan Instances Web site and APPs. Catch each huge hit, each wicket with Crick-it, a one cease vacation spot for Dwell Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & rather more. Discover now!.Catch your day by day dose of Vogue, Taylor Swift, Well being, Festivals, Journey, Relationship, Recipe and all the opposite Newest Life-style Information on Hindustan Instances Web site and APPs. Information / Life-style / Well being / Boys vs women: Who’s extra vulnerable to childhood most cancers? Oncologist reveals prevention suggestions See Much less