Geneva: More than one million children across the world lost their mothers to cancer between 2003 and 2022, with India emerging as one of the six countries most affected by the crisis, according to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The report highlights the far-reaching social impact of cancer, noting that maternal deaths not only result in emotional trauma for children but also contribute to long-term challenges such as disrupted education, financial hardship and poorer health outcomes.
India, alongside China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia and the United States, accounted for the highest number of children affected by maternal cancer deaths during the study period.
More than one million children affected globally
The WHO report estimates that over one million children worldwide lost their mothers to cancer between 2003 and 2022.
Researchers identified breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer as the leading causes of maternal cancer deaths globally.
The findings underscore the wider societal consequences of cancer, extending beyond patients to affect families and children, particularly in countries with a high disease burden.
India among six most affected countries
According to the report, India is among the six countries recording the highest number of children who lost their mothers due to cancer.
The other countries identified are:
- China
- Pakistan
- Nigeria
- Indonesia
- United States
Researchers said the concentration of cases in these countries reflects a combination of large populations and persistent challenges in cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
Children face lifelong consequences
The report notes that the death of a mother due to cancer often has lasting consequences for children.
Apart from coping with grief and emotional distress, many children experience interruptions in their education, economic insecurity and adverse health outcomes.
Experts said these challenges can affect children’s overall development and future opportunities, highlighting the broader social costs of cancer-related maternal deaths.
Lifestyle changes driving cancer burden
The report states that global cancer patterns are changing, with lifestyle and environmental factors increasingly contributing to the disease burden.
Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), said the cancer profile is evolving due to several preventable risk factors.
“The cancer profile is evolving, increasingly driven by rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution. Cancer prevention must remain a political priority,” she said.
The report suggests that addressing these risk factors through public health measures could help reduce future cancer cases.
Inequalities in cancer care remain a major challenge
Researchers also highlighted significant disparities in access to cancer care across countries.
According to the report, low- and middle-income countries continue to bear a disproportionate share of maternal cancer deaths because of:
- Delayed diagnosis
- Limited access to screening programmes
- Unequal availability of treatment
- Healthcare infrastructure gaps
These factors often result in cancers being detected at advanced stages, reducing the chances of successful treatment.
Early detection can save lives
The report emphasises that many maternal cancer deaths could be prevented through early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.
It calls for greater investment in cancer prevention, awareness programmes, screening services and treatment facilities, particularly in lower-income countries.
Researchers also recommend strengthening healthcare systems to improve access to quality cancer care, increase survival rates and reduce the number of children losing their mothers to preventable or treatable cancers.
The findings underline the importance of prioritising women’s health and expanding equitable access to cancer screening and treatment as part of broader public health strategies. Experts say improving early detection and healthcare infrastructure could save thousands of lives while protecting millions of children from the lifelong impact of losing a parent.
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