Childhood cancer is a profound challenge, not only for young patients but also for their families. Each year, India faces approximately 52,000 new cases of cancer in children aged 0 to 15, with around 4,000 of these cases being treated across nine centres of the Tata Memorial Centre. At the heart of this battle is Shalini Jatia, Officer in Charge of the ImPaCCT Foundation at the Tata Memorial Centre, whose efforts are transforming how paediatric cancer care is approached in India.
Established in 2007-08, the ImPaCCT Foundation was born to combat a pressing issue: treatment abandonment. At the time, nearly 25 per cent of families either refused or dropped out of their child’s cancer treatment, citing financial, emotional, or logistical challenges.
’The Foundation ensures families receive holistic support, from day one of diagnosis to lifelong follow-ups,’ says Shalini. This commitment stems from the belief that no family should leave the hospital questioning if financial constraints cost their child’s life.
Tracking Progress, Saving Lives
Since 2010, the Foundation has maintained detailed records of every child who comes to the Tata Memorial Centre for treatment. This data not only tracks progress but also ensures every child receives the continuous care they need. The results speak volumes: more families are now completing treatment, with increasing numbers seeking care at the Centre. In 2023 alone, nearly 4,000 children under the age of 15 registered for treatment.
Shalini’s dream is ambitious yet deeply inspiring: ’Why not set up a model so that every child diagnosed with cancer in our country gets the same kind of care and support?’ With this vision in mind, the ImPaCCT Foundation is working to expand its network to hospitals across India, promoting a sustainable, cost-effective, and replicable care model.
The Unique Nature Of Childhood Cancers
While only 5 per cent of childhood cancers are hereditary, the causes of the remaining 95 per cent remain largely unknown. Yet, there is hope. ’Children’s cancers are far more curable compared to adult cancers,’ explains Shalini. Successful treatment means not just years, but decades of healthy life ahead for these young survivors, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to society.
Children, she adds, display remarkable resilience. ’They don’t even know they’ve got cancer. While on treatment, you’ll see them running around the hospital, taking their chemotherapy in stride, and behaving like any normal child.’