Being clued-up about cancer

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), cancers in children tend to be different from those found in adults.

Most cancers in children occur in the developing cells of their bone marrow, blood, kidneys and nervous system tissues.

Many childhood cancers are treatable and thus there is a high treatment success rate.

However, according to the South African Medical Journal, the overall survival rates for childhood cancer in SA remain low when compared to international data.

Several myths about childhood cancer exist and therefore Cansa would like to share the following facts about the disease:

Myths about childhood cancer:

• Survivors are disease-carriers and pose a health risk to others.

• All survivors are genetically inferior and have fertility problems. They can never have children.

• Survivors have short lives.

• Childhood cancer survivors who are cured don’t need follow-up care.

• Childhood cancer survivors will have a miserable, sad and dismal future. They can never have a normal life.

• Survivors perform poorly at school and in the work environment.

• It is better if children and adolescents with cancer are not told they have cancer.

• Childhood cancer survivors will always carry the stigma of cancer in their adult life. They will always be discriminated against in society, in marriage and employment.

Facts about childhood cancer:

• Childhood cancer is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted by a virus nor is it infectious. It is therefore safe to interact with survivors.

• Not all cancer survivors have fertility problems. The type of cancer and treatment determine fertility challenges.

• Two out of three childhood cancer survivors face the risk of late effects and secondary cancers. This is not linked to life expectancy.

• Follow-up care remains important for survivors. Vigilance and regular monitoring are critical.

• There is life and a future after cancer.

• Most survivors do well in their education and careers but some survivors may have cognitive or learning disabilities.

• Children and adolescents with cancer need to be informed in order to understand and feel empowered to take charge of their own well-being.

• In most countries survivors are viewed as heroes and seen as living proof that childhood cancer can be conquered. In countries where stigma still exists, survivors and supporters need to speak out and challenge it.

For more news and interesting articles, like Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter