Efforts are needed from both the community and healthcare organizations to tackle the existing lack of awareness and fear surrounding pediatric cancer in the nation. A prominent cancer care expert has identified a crucial obstacle in handling pediatric cancer – the widespread ignorance and associated fears related to the condition.
Dr. Siobhan Cross, a children’s cancer specialist based in Christchurch, New Zealand, has witnessed how misconceptions and stigma affect patients with cancer and their families. She is the leader of the Twinning Program for pediatric oncology, a collaboration between Christchurch Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
According to Dr. Cross, many parents struggle to understand the reasons behind their child’s cancer diagnosis. Some even blame themselves or resort to superstitions, particularly in communities with limited educational resources. She noted, “In regions with fewer educational opportunities, some may feel as if they’ve been cursed or that someone else is at fault for their child’s illness, which is simply not true.” She emphasized the need for the community to recognize that neither the parents nor the children are to blame for the cancer.
Dr. Cross clarified that cancer results from random genetic mutations, not from parental actions or curses. She warned that such misunderstandings could worsen the emotional and psychological burdens on families already facing a child’s severe illness.
The stigma surrounding cancer can intensify fear and misinformation, rendering the term itself synonymous with dread and further isolating affected families. “This issue isn’t unique to Fiji, and despite advancements in modern medicine, the fear remains pervasive,” she stated. “People often feel that they must have done something wrong to cause their child’s cancer when that’s simply not the case.”
Dr. Cross acknowledged that while treatment facilities have significantly improved since the initial lack of local care, there remain gaps in diagnosing and treating all cases. She estimated that about 15 percent of cases might still go undiagnosed, which could lead to some children dying from undiscovered causes, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing awareness and education.
The ongoing efforts by Dr. Cross and her team as part of the Twinning Program include not only aiding in cancer treatment protocols but also conducting educational sessions for medical personnel in Fiji at CWMH and Aspen Lautoka. Additionally, they engage communities through initiatives like WOWS Kids Fiji. This collaborative effort aims to demystify cancer, educate families about the illness, and promote early detection and treatment.