Efforts to tackle the lack of awareness and fear surrounding paediatric cancer in the country are essential, according to health care organizations and community leaders. A prominent cancer specialist has identified a significant challenge in managing paediatric cancer: the pervasive misunderstandings and fear linked to the illness.
Dr. Siobhan Cross, a children’s cancer specialist from Christchurch, New Zealand, has witnessed the negative impact of stigma and misconceptions on children with cancer and their families. She leads the Twinning Program for paediatric oncology, a partnership between Christchurch Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Dr. Cross pointed out that many parents struggle with questions about their child’s cancer diagnosis, often mistakenly blaming themselves or resorting to superstitions, particularly in areas with limited access to education. She noted, “In some communities with less access to formal education, there are beliefs that perhaps they have been cursed or that someone else is responsible, which is simply not true.”
She emphasized that cancer is not caused by any wrongdoing on the part of the parents or the children, but rather results from random genetic mutations. This misunderstanding can add to the emotional and psychological burdens faced by families dealing with the illness.
Dr. Cross also highlighted that the stigma surrounding cancer fuels misinformation and fear. The mere mention of the word “cancer” can create anxiety and misunderstanding, leading to isolation for affected families. “This issue is not exclusive to Fiji. Despite advancements in modern medicine, the concept of cancer remains daunting,” she remarked.
She added that the stigma often leads individuals to believe they must have done something to cause the illness, which is a harmful notion.
While treatment facilities have improved significantly since the lack of local care in the past, Dr. Cross noted that there are still gaps in diagnosing and treating all cases of paediatric cancer. An estimated 15 percent of cases may go undiagnosed, potentially resulting in some children dying from unrecognized causes. Thus, raising awareness and education is vital.
Under the Twinning Program, Dr. Cross and her team are working to improve not just cancer treatment protocols but also providing educational sessions for medical staff in Fiji, including at CWMH and Aspen Lautoka. They are also engaging with communities through the WOWS Kids Fiji initiative. This collaborative approach aims to educate families about cancer, demystify the disease, and encourage early detection and treatment.