Childhood Cancer Cases Surge, Yet the Key Lies in Proper Nutrition
Jakarta, VIVA – World Childhood Cancer Day has once again become an occasion to spotlight the major challenges in treating cancer in children. Data from the Indonesian Pediatric Cancer Registry recorded a surge of 3,834 new childhood cancer cases throughout 2021–2022. This figure serves as a reminder that cancer is not merely a threat to adults, but to children as well.
Medical General Manager of PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, Dr Dedyanto Henky Saputra, M.Gizi, AIFO-K, explained that the causes of cancer in children differ from those in adults.
"Cancer experienced by children does not occur because of unhealthy eating, although this can trigger cancer when they become adults. The primary cause of cancer in children is genetic changes or DNA mutations. Secondly, pollutants can also be a contributing factor. Thirdly, the growth of abnormal cells that the body is unable to eliminate. It can be said that nutrition constitutes the foundational therapy for successful cancer treatment in early childhood," said Dr Dedyanto in a statement cited on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
According to him, in the context of childhood cancer, nutrition is not simply a matter of eating enough. Proper nutritional intake serves as a critical foundation for the body to withstand the side effects of therapy such as chemotherapy, whilst simultaneously accelerating the recovery process.
The problem is that many children undergoing cancer therapy experience eating disorders. Nausea, vomiting, and mouth ulcers frequently cause appetite to decline drastically. If this condition is not addressed, children are at risk of malnutrition.
"Malnutrition is the initial symptom marking the onset of anorexia, meaning the loss of appetite. If the body's unmet nutritional needs are not addressed, what was initially mild-stage malnutrition will progress into a severe condition known as cachexia," explained Dr Dedyanto.
Cachexia is characterised not only by weight loss but also by progressive loss of muscle mass accompanied by metabolic disorders. In advanced stages, this condition can develop into sarcopenia — a decline in muscle mass and strength that further compromises a child's physical resilience.
Medical General Manager of PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, Dr Dedyanto Henky Saputra, M.Gizi, AIFO-K, explained that the causes of cancer in children differ from those in adults.
"Cancer experienced by children does not occur because of unhealthy eating, although this can trigger cancer when they become adults. The primary cause of cancer in children is genetic changes or DNA mutations. Secondly, pollutants can also be a contributing factor. Thirdly, the growth of abnormal cells that the body is unable to eliminate. It can be said that nutrition constitutes the foundational therapy for successful cancer treatment in early childhood," said Dr Dedyanto in a statement cited on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
According to him, in the context of childhood cancer, nutrition is not simply a matter of eating enough. Proper nutritional intake serves as a critical foundation for the body to withstand the side effects of therapy such as chemotherapy, whilst simultaneously accelerating the recovery process.
The problem is that many children undergoing cancer therapy experience eating disorders. Nausea, vomiting, and mouth ulcers frequently cause appetite to decline drastically. If this condition is not addressed, children are at risk of malnutrition.
"Malnutrition is the initial symptom marking the onset of anorexia, meaning the loss of appetite. If the body's unmet nutritional needs are not addressed, what was initially mild-stage malnutrition will progress into a severe condition known as cachexia," explained Dr Dedyanto.
Cachexia is characterised not only by weight loss but also by progressive loss of muscle mass accompanied by metabolic disorders. In advanced stages, this condition can develop into sarcopenia — a decline in muscle mass and strength that further compromises a child's physical resilience.