The community and healthcare organizations need to take action to tackle the widespread lack of awareness and fear surrounding pediatric cancer in the country. Dr. Siobhan Cross, a pediatric cancer expert from Christchurch, New Zealand, emphasizes that a major issue in managing pediatric cancer is the prevalent misconceptions and stigmas that impact both patients and their families.
As the leader of the Twinning Program for pediatric oncology between Christchurch Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr. Cross has witnessed how ignorance about cancer can lead parents to question the reasons for their child’s illness. In many cases, especially in communities with limited education, parents may wrongly believe they are at fault or that some form of curse has caused their child’s cancer.
Dr. Cross pointed out the importance of educating the community about the fact that cancer is not the result of any wrongdoing by the parents or the affected child; rather, it arises from random genetic mutations. She noted that these misunderstandings heighten the emotional and psychological stress on families facing a child’s serious health issues.
The stigma attached to cancer often breeds fear and misinformation, with the mere mention of the word evoking dread and misunderstanding, further isolating families in need of support. Dr. Cross stated that this phenomenon is not unique to Fiji and persists despite advances in modern medicine. The sudden onset of cancer can lead to social stigma, making families feel as though they must be responsible for the tragedy.
While advancements in treatment facilities have been made since the initial shortage of local care, Dr. Cross highlighted that there are still challenges in diagnosing and treating all pediatric cancer cases. She estimated that around 15 percent of cases might remain undiagnosed, potentially leading to untimely deaths due to unknown causes, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and education.
Dr. Cross and her team are actively working within the Twinning Program to improve cancer treatment protocols and provide educational sessions for medical personnel in Fiji. Additionally, they engage with communities through the WOWS Kids Fiji initiative. This collaborative effort is designed to reduce misconceptions about cancer, inform families about the disease, and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment.