Paediatric cancer treatment in Bangalore has found one of its most dedicated homes at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital, Basavanagudi — a 40-bedded Paediatric Oncology Centre with a dedicated BMT unit, a School-Away-from-School programme, and a two-level play area. This is the complete guide every parent needs before making any decision about their child’s cancer treatment.
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📋 Table of Contents
- A Mother’s Journey from Raichur to Basavanagudi
- Childhood Cancer — What Every Parent Must Know
- Most Common Cancers in Children
- Sri Shankara’s Paediatric Oncology Unit — What’s Inside
- 5 Things That Make This Unit Unique in Bangalore
- The Medical Team
- Cost of Paediatric Cancer Treatment at Sri Shankara
- Comparison: Sri Shankara vs Other Bangalore Hospitals
- Warning Signs of Cancer in Children
- International Families — Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, UAE, Oman
- Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Child Treated Here
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. A Mother’s Journey from Raichur to Basavanagudi
Fatima’s son was four years old when his eyes started looking different.
There was a white glow in his left eye. Sometimes he squinted at things that were right in front of him. The local doctor in Raichur said it was probably nothing — maybe a vitamin deficiency. He gave some drops.
Three weeks later, the eye was bulging slightly. A second doctor said the word that stopped Fatima’s world: retinoblastoma. Cancer of the eye. In a four-year-old boy.
She was told she needed a specialist paediatric oncology centre immediately. She had never heard those words before. She did not know where to go. She searched on her phone and found Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital in Basavanagudi, Bangalore. Someone in a WhatsApp group had mentioned it — they said the hospital had a dedicated unit just for children with cancer. They said the doctors were brilliant. They said even if you had no money, the hospital would not turn you away.
Fatima took the night bus from Raichur to Bangalore with her son in her arms.
Her son was seen the next morning. Treatment started within 48 hours.
He is six years old now. Both eyes intact. At school. Learning to read.
“Based on my personal experience with my daughter’s cancer treatment — she was a 4-year-old child — Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital is the best in my life. The hospital provided excellent care from both the doctors and the staff. There is a dedicated paediatric cancer department with excellent service for children.” — Real patient review, Justdial
This guide is for every parent like Fatima. Whether you are in Raichur or Nairobi, whether your child has just been diagnosed or you are still searching for answers — read this carefully. It could be the most important thing you read today.
2. Childhood Cancer — What Every Parent Must Know
Paediatric cancer treatment in Bangalore has advanced dramatically over the last decade. The most important thing you need to know first is this: childhood cancer is far more treatable than adult cancer.
This is not false hope. It is medical fact. Over 80% of children diagnosed with cancer today survive with the right treatment. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia — the most common childhood cancer — has a 90% cure rate at specialist centres. Wilms tumour (kidney cancer) also approaches 90%. Hodgkin lymphoma is over 95%.
The biggest enemy is not the disease itself. It is delay. And delay happens when families do not know where to go, or when cost fears stop them from taking the first step.
This guide removes both barriers.
3. Most Common Cancers in Children Treated at Sri Shankara Bangalore
Children’s cancers are biologically different from adult cancers. They grow differently, respond to treatment differently, and require specialists who understand the unique physiology of a growing child’s body. Here are the most common types treated at Sri Shankara:
🩸 Leukaemia (Blood Cancer)
ALL and AML — cancers of the white blood cells. Most common childhood cancer. Treated with chemotherapy protocols over 2–3 years.
90% cure rate with early treatment
🫀 Lymphoma
Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma — cancers of the lymph system. Very treatable in children. Hodgkin lymphoma has over 95% survival rate.
Highly curable with chemotherapy
👁️ Retinoblastoma
Eye cancer in young children — most common under age 5. White glow in the eye is a key early sign. High cure rate when caught early.
Eye-saving treatment possible if diagnosed early
🫘 Wilms Tumour (Kidney)
Kidney cancer in children, usually under age 5. Treated with surgery, chemotherapy, sometimes radiation. Excellent outcomes at specialist centres.
~90% cure rate in early stages
🧠 Neuroblastoma
Cancer of nerve tissue, often found in adrenal glands. Most common in infants and young children. Complex treatment requiring specialist paediatric oncologists.
Requires multimodal specialist treatment
🧬 Brain & CNS Tumours
Second most common childhood cancer. Headaches, vision changes, balance problems. Treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Outcome depends heavily on tumour type
🦴 Osteosarcoma & Ewing Sarcoma
Bone cancers most common in teenagers. Persistent bone pain, swelling. Limb-salvage surgery available at Sri Shankara, preserving the limb in many cases.
Limb preservation surgery available
💪 Rhabdomyosarcoma
Soft tissue cancer in children, arising from muscle. Can occur anywhere in the body. Treated with combination of surgery, chemo, and radiation.
Multimodal treatment approach
4. Sri Shankara’s Paediatric Oncology Unit — What’s Inside
The Paediatric Oncology Centre at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SSCHRC), Basavanagudi is not just a wing in a general hospital. It is a dedicated, purpose-built environment designed specifically for children with cancer — from the medical infrastructure to the physical layout to the emotional support systems.
This is what makes it one of the most complete paediatric oncology setups in South India.
🏥 Inside the 40-Bed Paediatric Oncology Centre at SSCHRC:
- 40 dedicated paediatric oncology beds — separate from adult wards, fully equipped for children’s care
- Dedicated Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit within the paediatric centre — HEPA-filtered transplant rooms, blood irradiator, in-house apheresis
- Paediatric ICU — for children requiring intensive monitoring during treatment
- Dedicated paediatric chemotherapy ward — staffed by specialist nurses trained specifically for administering chemotherapy to children
- School-Away-from-School programme — children continue their education during long treatment stays so they do not fall behind academically
- Two-level play area — a child-friendly, infection-controlled play environment that supports psychological recovery alongside medical treatment
- After Completion of Treatment (ACT) Clinic — dedicated follow-up clinic for children who have completed treatment, monitoring long-term health and development
- Paediatric Long Stay Centre — accommodation support for children and families from outside Bangalore undergoing extended treatment
- Psycho-oncology support — mental health care for children and their parents throughout the cancer journey
- Nutritional support team — specialist dietitians ensuring children maintain strength during chemotherapy
- Dedicated paediatric nursing team — nurses who care for children as family members, not just patients
- In-house molecular genetics laboratory — for precise tumour typing and personalised treatment planning
- PET-CT scan at ₹12,000 — available on-site, one of the lowest costs in Bangalore
5. Five Things That Make This Unit Unique in Bangalore
Many hospitals in Bangalore treat paediatric cancer as part of their general oncology programme. Sri Shankara is different. Here are five things that exist here and almost nowhere else in the city:
🎓 School-Away-from-School
A child with leukaemia may be hospitalised for 2–3 years for treatment. Missing that much school could set them back educationally for life. Sri Shankara runs an in-hospital school programme ensuring children continue learning, taking exams, and staying connected to normal life during treatment. No other dedicated cancer hospital in Bangalore offers this. This is a programme that heals the whole child — not just the disease.
🎮 Two-Level Play Area
Children are not meant to lie in beds staring at white walls for months. Sri Shankara has built a two-level indoor play area designed with strict infection-control protocols — safe for children with compromised immune systems to play, interact, and remain mentally healthy. Play is not a luxury in a cancer hospital. It is medicine.
🏥 ACT Clinic — After Completion of Treatment
Most hospitals discharge children after treatment ends and send them for general OPD follow-up. Sri Shankara has a dedicated ACT Clinic — a specialised long-term follow-up clinic that monitors childhood cancer survivors for late effects of treatment, growth and development milestones, and overall health for years after remission. This is the gold standard in paediatric oncology care, and it exists here.
💊 Free Drug Support Programme
A real patient review from Justdial mentions specifically: “Special thanks to the purchase team and Sumathi madam for free drug support.” Sri Shankara has an active programme providing free or heavily subsidised medications to families who cannot afford them. Cancer drugs for children can cost ₹20,000–₹1,00,000 per cycle — this programme is life-saving for lower-income families.
🏠 Lakshmi Home Stay — For Families Who Travel
Paediatric cancer treatment is not a quick visit. It can span weeks or months. For families from outside Bangalore — whether from Raichur, Mysore, or Nairobi — Sri Shankara operates the Lakshmi Home Stay, a dedicated family accommodation facility right next to the hospital. This keeps parents close to their children without the cost burden of a hotel.
💬 Need help booking an appointment at Sri Shankara for your child?
We handle the entire process — reports, appointments, estimates — free of charge.
6. The Medical Team
Paediatric oncology requires a specific kind of specialist — not just an oncologist, but one trained specifically in children’s cancers. The SSCHRC paediatric oncology team is multidisciplinary, meaning multiple specialists collaborate on every child’s treatment plan.
👨⚕️ Paediatric Haematologist
Leads leukaemia and lymphoma treatment. Bone marrow transplant specialist for children.
🔬 Paediatric Surgical Oncologist
Handles Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and other solid tumour surgery in children.
☢️ Radiation Oncologist
Delivers precise radiation to children using advanced techniques that protect surrounding healthy tissue.
🧬 Molecular Geneticist
Runs genetic tumour analysis from SSCHRC’s in-house molecular genetics lab for personalised treatment.
🧠 Psycho-Oncologist
Supports the mental health of children and parents throughout the treatment journey.
🍎 Paediatric Nutritionist
Ensures children maintain proper nutrition and strength during intensive chemotherapy.
7. Cost of Paediatric Cancer Treatment at Sri Shankara Bangalore
Paediatric cancer treatment in Bangalore at Sri Shankara is among the most affordable available at any specialist oncology hospital in South India. Here are approximate costs for common treatments:
| Treatment / Procedure | Approx. Cost (₹) | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| ALL chemotherapy (full 2-year protocol) | ₹3 – ₹8 lakh | $3,600 – $9,600 |
| Wilms tumour (surgery + chemo) | ₹4 – ₹10 lakh | $4,800 – $12,000 |
| Retinoblastoma treatment | ₹2 – ₹6 lakh | $2,400 – $7,200 |
| Neuroblastoma (high-risk, full protocol) | ₹12 – ₹25 lakh | $14,400 – $30,000 |
| Bone cancer (osteosarcoma, limb salvage) | ₹8 – ₹18 lakh | $9,600 – $21,600 |
| Autologous BMT (paediatric) | ₹12 – ₹18 lakh | $14,400 – $21,600 |
| PET-CT Scan (on-site) | ₹12,000 (fixed) | ~$144 |
| Bone marrow biopsy | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | $36 – $72 |
* Estimates only. Final cost depends on cancer type, stage, treatment protocol, room category, duration of stay, and medications. Free and subsidised treatment available. Ayushman Bharat and Karnataka government schemes accepted.
Sri Shankara has an active free drug support programme and financial assistance fund specifically for paediatric patients. Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) is accepted. Government of Karnataka health insurance schemes apply. The hospital’s social work department helps families apply for financial assistance on the day of admission. No child should be denied treatment because of cost.
8. Sri Shankara vs Other Hospitals — Paediatric Cancer Bangalore
| Hospital | Dedicated Paed Unit | Paed BMT | School Programme | Free Treatment | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Sri Shankara (SSCHRC) | ✅ 40 beds | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Strong | 💚 Lowest |
| HCG Cancer Centre | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Limited | 🟡 Medium |
| Manipal Hospitals | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Limited | 🟡 Medium-High |
| Apollo Bangalore | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Limited | 🔴 Highest |
| Aster CMI | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No | Limited | 🟡 Medium |
9. Warning Signs of Cancer in Children — Do Not Ignore These
Childhood cancer is often misdiagnosed as common illnesses because the symptoms overlap. These are the red flag signs that every parent must know:
🚨 Eye & Vision Symptoms
- White glow in eye in photos (torch or flash)
- New squint or crossed eyes
- Bulging eyeball
- Sudden vision changes
⚠️ May indicate retinoblastoma — see a doctor immediately
🚨 Blood & General Symptoms
- Prolonged unexplained fever (over 2 weeks)
- Unusual paleness or fatigue
- Easy or unexplained bruising/bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)
⚠️ May indicate leukaemia or lymphoma
🚨 Abdomen Symptoms
- Painless lump or swelling in the belly
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Blood in urine
⚠️ May indicate Wilms tumour or neuroblastoma
🚨 Brain & Neurological Symptoms
- Persistent severe headaches (especially morning)
- Projectile vomiting
- Unsteady walking or balance problems
- Unexplained seizures
⚠️ May indicate brain tumour — urgent evaluation needed
🚨 Bone & Limb Symptoms
- Persistent bone or joint pain not from injury
- Unexplained limp
- Visible swelling over a bone
- Pain that is worse at night
⚠️ May indicate osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma
10. International Families — Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, UAE, Oman
Paediatric cancer treatment in Bangalore at Sri Shankara is a fraction of the cost compared to the USA, UK, or Singapore — and achieves comparable outcomes. Families from Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, the UAE, and Oman are increasingly making this journey.
What International Families Need to Know
- Medical visa: India’s MED visa covers child patients and one or two accompanying parents. Doctor Visit Bangalore provides the invitation letter and supports the documentation process.
- Parent accommodation: Indian paediatric oncology wards allow parents to stay with their child throughout admission — not just during visiting hours. Lakshmi Home Stay is available for extended family.
- Treatment gaps: For long protocols (ALL chemotherapy spans 2–3 years), many families use a hybrid model — start induction treatment in Bangalore, return home during oral maintenance phases, and come back to Bangalore for intensification cycles.
- Language: English-language support throughout. Arabic and Swahili translators can be arranged.
- Free coordination: Doctor Visit Bangalore handles everything — report forwarding, appointment booking, cost estimates, visa letters, accommodation, and hospital liaison. No fees. Ever.
📲 Bringing your child to Bangalore for cancer treatment?
WhatsApp your child’s diagnosis and reports — we’ll respond within hours and guide you through every step. Free service.
11. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Child Treated at Sri Shankara
Collect All Existing Reports
Biopsy reports, blood tests, MRI/CT scans, previous treatment records, discharge summaries. Even partial reports help. WhatsApp them to +91 78920 28951.
Pre-Assessment by Specialist
We forward reports to the paediatric oncology team. They review and confirm the recommended specialist and first appointment.
Get Written Cost Estimate
Receive a written cost estimate for financial planning, insurance claims, and government scheme applications (Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY).
OPD Consultation
We book your child’s first OPD appointment. The paediatric oncologist reviews everything in person and creates the treatment plan.
Apply for Financial Assistance
On admission day, meet the social work team. Bring your Ayushman Bharat card, ration card, income certificate. The team will guide you through all available support options.
Treatment, School & Recovery
Your child receives medical treatment in the dedicated paediatric unit, continues education through the School-Away-from-School programme, plays in the two-level play area, and is monitored by a full multidisciplinary team throughout.
🔗 Related Pages on Doctor Visit Bangalore
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital have a dedicated children’s cancer ward?
Yes. Sri Shankara has a fully dedicated 40-bedded Paediatric Oncology Centre with its own BMT unit, ICU, chemotherapy ward, play area, and School-Away-from-School programme — completely separate from the adult oncology wards.
What is the School-Away-from-School programme?
It is an in-hospital education programme that allows children to continue their schooling during long treatment stays. Children with leukaemia may be hospitalised for months or years — this programme ensures they do not fall behind academically while receiving treatment. It is a unique feature that very few hospitals in India offer.
Is free treatment available for children at Sri Shankara?
Yes. Sri Shankara has an active free drug support programme and a financial assistance fund. Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) and Karnataka government health schemes are accepted. Speak to the hospital’s social work team on the day of admission with income proof and government ID documents.
What is the cure rate for childhood leukaemia at specialist centres in Bangalore?
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) — the most common childhood cancer — has a 90% cure rate at specialist paediatric oncology centres like Sri Shankara. The key is early diagnosis and completing the full treatment protocol without interruption.
Can parents stay with their child during hospital admission?
Yes. Indian paediatric oncology wards allow parents to stay with their child throughout admission. Sri Shankara also has the Lakshmi Home Stay adjacent to the hospital for extended family members who accompany the child from outside Bangalore.
Can international children get treatment at Sri Shankara?
Yes. Doctor Visit Bangalore provides complete coordination for international families — medical visa invitation letters, report forwarding, appointment booking, cost estimates, accommodation at Lakshmi Home Stay, and on-ground support throughout the treatment journey. WhatsApp us at +91 78920 28951.
What is the ACT Clinic at Sri Shankara?
ACT stands for After Completion of Treatment. It is a dedicated long-term follow-up clinic for childhood cancer survivors, monitoring for late effects of treatment, growth and developmental milestones, and overall health for years after remission. It is a gold-standard feature in paediatric oncology that very few hospitals in Bangalore offer.
How do I book a paediatric oncology appointment at Sri Shankara?
Call Sri Shankara directly at +91 90605 21000, or WhatsApp Doctor Visit Bangalore at +91 78920 28951. We will book your child’s appointment, help you prepare all reports, explain the process in simple language, and be available for any questions before, during, and after the visit — completely free of charge.
Final Word
Fatima’s son is six years old. He goes to school. He reads. He plays. Both of his eyes are intact.
She took a night bus from Raichur to Bangalore with no appointment, no prior contact, no guarantee. She just had a name — Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital, Basavanagudi — and the desperate hope that it would be enough.
It was more than enough.
If your child has been diagnosed with cancer — or you suspect something is wrong — do not wait another day. The 40-bed Paediatric Oncology Centre at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital is one of the most complete, most affordable, and most compassionate facilities for children with cancer in all of South India.
Doctor Visit Bangalore is here to walk with you from the first phone call to the day your child goes home healthy. Free of charge. Always.
Your child deserves the best. Let us help you get there.
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Sources: Sri Shankara Cancer Hospitals official website (shankaracancerhospitals.org), Manipal Hospitals Paediatric Oncology, Arodya — Childhood Cancer Treatment India 2026, Apollo Hospitals Paediatric Cancer Guide, Aster CMI Paediatric Hemato-Oncology, IndiahealthTour Childhood Cancer Hospitals, Justdial patient reviews SSCHRC Bangalore.
This page follows the Doctor Visit Bangalore Editorial Policy. Information is reviewed regularly and updated for accuracy. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a qualified paediatric oncologist.
Arman Ali is the founder of Doctor Visit Bangalore, a trusted healthcare navigation platform helping patients find verified doctors, hospitals, and specialists across Bangalore and all over in India. With hands-on experience in healthcare research and patient assistance, Arman has personally helped hundreds of domestic and international patients connect with leading hospitals including Apollo, Manipal, Fortis, and Aster. His content is grounded in real hospital data, treatment cost research, and direct coordination with medical professionals across Bangalore. He specializes in medical tourism guidance, treatment cost transparency, and specialist discovery for complex conditions including cancer, cardiac surgery, and orthopedic care.