Myth vs Fact: Debunking Childhood Cancer Stigmas

The other day, I was having lunch with some friends. We were talking, laughing, and sharing stories and anecdotes of our lives. Somehow, we got on the topic of heath and subsequently, cancer. Ever since I have been thrown into the “cancer world,” I strive to gain as much knowledge as possible so I can educate others and be a valuable resource to the cancer community.

Becoming a childhood cancer advocate is a newfound priority in my life. I want people to know the horrible realities. I want people to understand what these children go through each day. I want people to realize that treatment lasts several years for kids compared to adults. People do not understand that for children, even though their cancer treatment plan has concluded, the fight doesn’t end there. They will continue to be a fighter for the rest of their lives.  
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“They” say cancer is rare for kids, but truth be told, I have met many more parents on this journey than I thought I would. Having said that, I can say with both confidence and sadness that childhood cancer is not that rare at all. Each day, 43 kids are diagnosed with cancer and 7 kids will lose their life to cancer. The goal of sharing these harsh truths is to hopefully open people’s eyes to a world that is completely unknown to them. A world that I wouldn’t wish anyone to join.

Listening to people talk and share inaccurate information about childhood cancer truly makes my blood boil. It’s crazy to think how many misconceptions out there that the public hears, spreads, and believes. My ultimate purpose is to silence the noise and help spread accurate data, real patient life, and correct information on childhood cancer. Our kids deserve it.

With a little research and adaptions from several sources I would like to debunk some common myths. The more we know, the more we can help our children fight cancer.