Debunking Myths Around Cancer In Children

(By Dr Purna Kurkure, Head, Pediatric Oncology & BMT, at NH SRCC Children’s Hospital)

Beyond clinical care, it is extremely important to debunk prevalent myths surrounding childhood cancer. To foster a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges faced by young patients battling cancer, the common misconceptions will be dismantled.

• Myth: Childhood Cancer is Rare

Contrary to popular belief, childhood cancer is not a rarity. Child cancers may be less common than those in adults, but they remain a significant health concern. Recognizing the prevalence is vital for prompt diagnosis and intervention.

• Myth: Children Cannot Develop Cancer

Dispelling the notion that cancer is exclusively an adult affliction is crucial. Children can indeed develop various types of cancer, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in monitoring signs and symptoms.

• Myth: Cancer is Contagious

Childhood cancer is not contagious, and the belief in such myths can perpetuate unwarranted fear and stigma. Understanding that cancer arises from genetic mutations or other non-contagious factors is essential for dispelling misconceptions surrounding the transmission of the disease.

• Myth: Cancer Treatment is More Harmful Than the Disease

Some erroneously fear that cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, poses greater risks than the disease itself. In reality, advancements in pediatric oncology have led to targeted and less invasive treatments, optimizing the balance between eradicating cancer cells and minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues.

• Myth: Childhood Cancer is Always Terminal

Cancer diagnosis in children is an emotional issue and equates to an emergency and grim outcome. However, it is paradoxical that 80% of childhood cancers are curable. Timely and appropriate treatment can lead to successful outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. Most pediatric cancers are treated with a multidisciplinary approach and treatment seems very complex posing significant logistic and financial challenges. The role of society in supporting these children and families financially and psychologically is immense and as important as modern medical interventions. It is aptly described that it takes a whole village to treat a child with cancer.

• Myth: Childhood cancer survivors can’t have normal productive adulthood

Childhood cancer survivors can lead a normal productive life and should be in the mainstream of society. However, they have to be empowered and made responsible for adapting healthy lifestyle changes and taking preventive surveillance for past cancer experiences.

[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.]

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