Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions about Cancer in Children
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya – NCI Kenya
Myth: Children do not develop cancer
Fact:
Cancer can develop at any age, including in newborns. While the likelihood of cancer generally increases with age, approximately 400 000 children globally (aged 0–19 years) develop cancer each year. That is equivalent to about one in 500 children in their lifetime
Myth: Childhood cancers are preventable
Fact:
Unlike adult cancers, almost all childhood cancers arise during growth and development and cannot be prevented. Rather than prevention programmes, effective childhood cancer control must focus on avoiding missed/ delayed diagnosis, ensuring access to highquality multidisciplinary care, reducing and managing disease- and treatmentrelated complications, ensuring treatment completion and sustained follow-up of longterm survivors.
Myth: Most children with cancer die of their disease
Fact:
More than 8 of 10 children are cured when they receive the best available treatment services and care (Section 1.2.2). Research and innovation remain important priorities for further improvements in childhood cancer care.
Myth: Childhood cancer is one disease, treated with a standardized approach
Fact:
There are many different cancers of children and young people that develop at different ages, in many parts of the body and with different patterns of spread. The diagnosis and treatment must be adapted to the individual and follow evidence-based standards of care.
Myth: Childhood cancer chemotherapy is expensive
Fact:
Most children can be cured using inexpensive generic medicines and affordable multimodality therapy (Section 1.5).
Myth: Even if children survive cancer, they are left with permanent and severe disabilities
Fact:
While treatment can cause health care needs in some survivors, many children cured of cancer go on to lead long, happy, healthy and productive lives.
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