Childhood Cancer Myths and Stigmas

  • Cancer is contagious
  • You can get cancer by playing or touching a cancer patient
  • Children cannot get cancer
  • Children do not get cancer because of their race and gender.
  • Childhood cancer is the fault of the child or parents.
  • There is no need for the elders to talk about cancer in the family
  • Decisions of transfusions or amputations should only be taken by the elders
  • There are no signs and symptoms with childhood cancer
  • Children do not survive cancer
  • There is nothing that can be done once a child is diagnosed
  • Certain families do not have the right to health care

Reality

  • Cancer is NOT contagious
  • You cannot get cancer by playing or touching a cancer patient
  • Children can get cancer
  • Children can be diagnosed with cancer, irrespective of race or gender.
  • Childhood cancer is a blood disorder and no one is at fault for this illness.
  • There is a need for the elders to talk about cancer in the family
  • Decisions of transfusions or amputations should be taken in consultation with elders in the best interest of the child’s survival.
  • There are early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer
  • Children can survive cancer if diagnosed early.
  • Early diagnosis is the key to survival.
  • All have a right to health care

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