India continues to face a growing burden of childhood cancer, especially among underprivileged populations where access, affordability, and continuity of care remain major challenges. In response, several non-profit organizations have stepped in to bridge systemic gaps offering not just treatment support but holistic, long-term care.
Among them, CanKids KidsCan, Cuddles Foundation, and ImPaCCT Foundation stand out for their scale, innovation, and impact in pediatric oncology care in India.
Indian Cancer Society reports that over 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in India each year, contributing substantially to the global burden. The Society emphasizes that many childhood cancers are treatable and even curable when detected early, but lack of awareness, subtle symptoms, and delayed diagnosis often prevent timely care. It also highlights the need for stronger pediatric oncology systems, along with emotional and financial support for affected families.
Founded in 2004 by cancer survivor Poonam Bagai, CanKids KidsCan has evolved into a national-level childhood cancer support organization working across more than 140 hospitals in India.
The organization focuses on “Access2Care”, ensuring that no child is denied treatment due to financial or systemic barriers. Its flagship YANA (You Are Not Alone) program delivers a continuum of care from diagnosis to survivorship.
CanKids adopts a multi-dimensional care model that includes:
Financial support for diagnostics and treatment
Accommodation through “Home Away From Home” centers
Nutrition, blood support, and transportation
Education continuity through CanShala initiatives
Psychological counselling for patients and families
Beyond direct care, the organization actively partners with state governments and healthcare institutions to strengthen pediatric oncology infrastructure and policies across India.
Its research arm also drives evidence-based interventions in childhood cancer outcomes, addressing gaps in access, survival, and quality of life.
Established in 2013 by Purnota Dutta Bahl, Cuddles Foundation is India’s only NGO dedicated exclusively to clinical nutrition for children undergoing cancer treatment.
The foundation addresses a critical yet overlooked issue malnutrition in pediatric cancer patients, with nearly 58% of children undernourished at diagnosis.
Its flagship FoodHeals program integrates nutrition into treatment protocols, significantly improving adherence and recovery outcomes.
Cuddles works through three core pillars:
Enable hospitals by placing trained pediatric oncology nutritionists
Train professionals in clinical nutrition for cancer care
Provide aid, including hot meals, supplements, and monthly ration kits
The organization follows a structured clinical approach:
Assess nutritional status
Evaluate treatment-related side effects
Prescribe customized diet plans
Provide food and supplements
Monitor and adapt continuously
Impact data shows that 97% of children adhere better to treatment when nutrition is integrated, while 81% maintain or improve nutritional status during therapy.
By combining medical science with nutrition, Cuddles has positioned itself as a key player in improving pediatric cancer survival in India.
Founded by Prof. Shripad Banavali in 2010 and based at Tata Memorial Hospital, the ImPaCCT Foundation focuses on holistic, hospital-integrated care for children with cancer.
The organization ensures that every child regardless of socioeconomic background receives complete treatment and supportive care from day one of hospital registration.
Its support system includes:
Emergency financial aid and full treatment sponsorship
Nutrition and hygiene support for patients
Blood and platelet donation drives
Educational and recreational activities for children
Infrastructure and research funding
ImPaCCT operates directly within the hospital ecosystem, enabling seamless coordination between medical treatment and psychosocial support, which significantly reduces treatment abandonment.
Its mission remains clear: “Give every child fighting cancer the best chance at cure.”
Childhood cancer care in India extends far beyond chemotherapy and surgery. It requires financial support, nutrition, emotional care, infrastructure, and long-term rehabilitation areas where public healthcare systems often fall short.
CanKids strengthens access, advocacy, and national-level care systems
Cuddles Foundation improves treatment outcomes through nutrition-based interventions
ImPaCCT Foundation ensures hospital-level continuity and holistic support
Together, these organisations demonstrate how multi-layered NGO interventions can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer.
Reference:
1. Indian Cancer Society. n.d. “Childhood Cancer.” Accessed April 14, 2026. Childhood Cancer.
https://www.indiancancersociety.org/cancer-information/childhood-cancer
