Addressing the myths concerning cancer

Findings by CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation indicate that more than 40% of South African children with cancer never reach a specialist centre for treatment; this is according to the CHOC CEO Francois Peenz.

Peenz said that the study found that communication was critical to decreasing cancer-related stigma, raising awareness around cancer and associated myths about the disease, and disseminating cancer education.

“A common myth, identified from our work in communities, is that children do not get cancer and, if they do, only white children will suffer from the disease. With a total of 600 South African children diagnosed with the disease each year, approximately half of the collective worldwide figure, the research findings paints a bleak picture for our nation’s youth,” he said.

Peenz said that further aggravating the situation is a staggering amount of stigmas surrounding cancer, ultimately translating into delayed diagnoses and subsequent increased mortality.

Peenz said “Hospice Palliative Care Association joined forces with interested stakeholders in launching a national cancer anti stigma campaign on World Cancer Day last Tuesday.

At the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, with the aim of educating, increasing awareness, exposing myths and encouraging early detection amongst South Africans we have launched a campaign known as the ‘Voice of Cancer Anti Stigma Project’.