India, Sept. 16 -- Cancer treatment for children in India is concentrated in large cities, forcing thousands of poorer families to live far from home, often in unsafe and unhygienic conditions. Nearly 50,000 children in India are affected by cancer each year, while thousands of families from villages and small towns are forced to travel to metro cities for specialised treatment, according to nonprofit care provider for cancer patients St Judes India.

September is childhood cancer awareness month. The organisation in a press note said more than 32,000 families with limited means travel every year for their child's cancer care, but many struggle to find safe and affordable accommodation near hospitals.

Families who can afford it often sta...