The community and healthcare organizations need to actively work towards addressing the lack of awareness and the fear surrounding pediatric cancer in the country.
Dr. Siobhan Cross, a children’s cancer specialist based in Christchurch, New Zealand, has highlighted that a major challenge in managing pediatric cancer lies in the prevalent misconceptions and fears associated with the illness. As the leader of the Twinning Program for pediatric oncology between Christchurch Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, she has witnessed the detrimental effects that stigma has on patients and their families.
Dr. Cross noted that parents often face distressing questions regarding the reasons behind their child’s cancer diagnosis. This uncertainty can lead some to blame themselves or even believe in superstitions, particularly in communities with limited educational resources.
“In areas with less access to formal education, parents sometimes think they have been cursed or that someone else is to blame for their child’s illness, which is simply untrue,” Dr. Cross stated. She emphasized the importance of community understanding that neither the parents nor the child is at fault for the diagnosis.
She explained that cancer is not the result of anything the parents or the child have done; rather, it is caused by random genetic mutations. Dr. Cross warned that this fundamental misunderstanding could worsen the emotional burden on families who are already coping with a serious illness.
The stigma surrounding cancer can fuel fear and spread misinformation, with the very mention of the word evoking dread and further isolating affected families. Dr. Cross commented, “This issue is not exclusive to Fiji; even with advances in modern medicine, the fear surrounding cancer remains pervasive.”
She also pointed out that although treatment facilities have improved significantly since the initial lack of local care, a gap still exists in correctly diagnosing and treating all cases. It is estimated that about 15 percent of cases may go undiagnosed, potentially resulting in some children passing away without known causes. Dr. Cross highlighted the critical need for increased awareness and education.
Her team’s ongoing efforts under the Twinning Program not only focus on enhancing cancer treatment protocols but also involve conducting educational sessions for medical staff at CWMH and Aspen Lautoka in Fiji, as well as engaging with communities through the WOWS Kids Fiji initiative. This collaborative strategy aims to demystify cancer, educate families about the condition, and promote early detection and treatment.