8 Myths vs. Realities of Childhood Cancer
Myth Childhood cancer is caused by something the child did.
Reality Childhood cancer is not caused by anything the child did or did not do. In most cases, the cause of childhood cancer is unknown.
Myth Childhood cancer is always fatal.
Reality While childhood cancer is a serious disease, many children are able to go into remission and live long, healthy lives.
Myth There is no cure for childhood cancer.
Reality While there is no cure for all types of childhood cancer, many children are able to go into remission and live long, healthy lives.
Myth Childhood cancer is contagious.
Reality Childhood cancer is not contagious. It is not spread from person to person.
Myth There is nothing you can do to help a child with cancer.
Reality There are many things you can do to help a child with cancer. You can offer your support, love, and friendship. You can also help with practical tasks, such as running errands or providing child care.
Myth Childhood cancers are a result of a poor lifestyle or diet.
Reality Unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors.
Myth Childhood cancer is always terminal.
Reality Over the past few decades, survival rates for many types of childhood cancer have improved significantly due to advances in diagnosis and treatment. However, certain types of cancer remain very difficult to treat.
Myth If one child in a family has cancer, their siblings are at increased risk.
Reality Most childhood cancers are not hereditary. The risk to siblings is usually not significantly higher than that of other children.