The Socioeconomic Toll of Pediatric Cancer in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study on Family Hardships

Background: Pediatric cancer is a rising public health concern in Bangladesh, where an estimated 9000 new cases occur annually among children under 18. Despite this burden, survival rates remain below 30% due to diagnostic delays, limited access to specialized care, and treatment abandonment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the socioeconomic consequences of childhood cancer often include financial distress, caregiver unemployment, stigma, and school dropout, yet these impacts remain under-researched in the Bangladeshi context. Objective: This study investigates the socioeconomic impact of childhood cancer on affected families in Bangladesh, with a specific focus on financial hardship, social isolation, and disruption of children’s education. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with 54 families of pediatric cancer patients actively receiving treatment at three major oncology centers in Bangladesh. Purposive sampling was used, prioritizing diversity in region, socioeconomic status, and cancer type. Data were collected through structured interviews using pre-tested questionnaires, and analyzed descriptively. Results: Diagnostic delays exceeding 12 months were reported by 57% of families, though 89% began treatment shortly after diagnosis. Monthly treatment costs ranged from BDT 40,000 - 100,000 (USD $470 - 1179), far surpassing average household incomes of BDT 10,000 - 16,000 (USD $94 - 150). Over 53% of families sold assets, and 42.6% of mothers quit their jobs to provide full-time care. Social exclusion was reported by 15% of families, often linked to cancer-related stigma. Educational disruption was noted in 20% of children, primarily due to prolonged absences and lack of school support. Conclusion: Pediatric cancer in Bangladesh destabilizes family systems economically, socially, and educationally. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address both clinical and non-clinical needs through financial aid programs, decentralized oncology services, school reintegration strategies, and psychosocial support for caregivers.