Malnutrition poses serious risks to children’s health. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Director of Haemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, warned in an interview that undernutrition and food adulteration can potentially trigger cancer by suppressing DNA repair, increasing oxidative stress, and compromising the immune system’s ability to fight cancerous cells.
ReadMore: Malnutrition is on the rise in Pakistan.
How Malnutrition Increases Cancer Risk:
- Weakened Immune System: A strong immune system is essential for detecting and eliminating precancerous cells. Malnourished children have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections like HPV and EBV, which can contribute to cancer development.
- DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress: Deficiencies in zinc and vitamins A, C, and E can elevate oxidative stress levels, damaging DNA. Free radicals may cause mutations that can lead to cancer if the body is unable to repair the damage effectively.
- Growth Retardation and Hormonal Imbalance: Malnutrition disrupts metabolism and the effects of growth hormones. Low-calorie diets can interfere with insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signaling—critical for cell differentiation and proliferation—potentially increasing the risk of cancer in children.
- Poor Treatment Outcomes and Delayed Diagnosis: Children with cancer who are malnourished are less able to endure intensive treatments like chemotherapy. This not only hampers recovery but also increases mortality and lowers the chances of survival.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies:
- Early Nutritional Interventions: Ensure that children receive sufficient proteins, vitamins, and minerals early on.
- Improve Food Security: Enhance programs in low-income communities to boost overall dietary quality.
- Regular Health Check-Ups: Conduct frequent examinations to detect early signs of malnutrition and related health issues.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about the long-term consequences of undernutrition to encourage better nutrition practices.
By adopting these strategies, we can help mitigate the health risks associated with malnutrition, thereby supporting the overall well-being and future health of children.
