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What are the myths and beliefs that stigmatize childhood cancer?
Childhood cancer myths and beliefs are prevalent globally, often leading to fear, stigma, and delayed treatment. Common misconceptions include that childhood cancer is contagious, that children don't get cancer, and that childhood cancer is a death sentence. These myths can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly impacting survival rates, particularly in developing countries.
A MYTH is a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon and typically involving supernatural beings or events. A BELIEF is something that is accepted, considered to be true, or held as an opinion. It is an individual's religious or political beliefs.
Myths and beliefs could stigmatize childhood cancer. To dispel myths and beliefs, the correct messaging and information is needed. Stigma can have a silencing effect, whereby efforts to increase cancer awareness are negatively affected.
When communities have knowledge about childhood cancer, their attitudes and practices towards it will change. Everyone must work together to ensure that communities know the early warning signs of childhood cancer. Raising awareness can be achieved by providing education to the Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Workers, Traditional Health Practitioners and communities to spread information through correct messaging.
READ MORE
- Myths vs Facts: Childhood Cancer Survivors (CCI). https://www.childhood-cancer-support.com/article/MYTHS-vs-FACTS-Childhood-Cancer Survivors/a168.aspx
- Facts & Myths about childhood cancer (Children's Cancer Foundation). https://www.ccf.org.sg/resources/facts-myths-about-childhood cancer/
- Facts & Myths about childhood cancer (Children's Cancer Foundation). https://www.acco.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/51215MYTHS AND-MISCONCEPTIONS-Childhood-Cancer-Survivors-FINAL.pdf
- Childhood Cancer Myths and Facts (CANSA). https://cansa.org.za/childhood-cancer-myths-vs-facts/
- Dispelling myths about childhood cancer is critical for increasing awareness, creating support, and delivering accurate information to the public. (Written by Sambhav Kumar). https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-are-the-myths-around-childhood-cancer-1708006133
Related Parent Carers
Informational stressors for parents (caregivers) who have a child diagnosed with cancer
A child with cancer will always have a multidisciplinary team, and within that, each discipline (like nurses, doctors, therapists) may function as intra-disciplinary sub-teams to ensure consistency.
Educating your community of family and friends
Sharing a child’s cancer journey with one’s community can raise awareness, build understanding, and gather emotional or practical support. However, it is equally important to do so in a way that protects the child’s privacy and the family’s emotional wellbeing.
Message from parents to parents
Hearing that your child has cancer is one of the most overwhelming experiences a parent can face. It often triggers a series of emotional and psychological reactions, commonly described in phases like the stages of grief, though each parent may experience them differently.