Even if no one says it, there are underlying assumptions and attitudes towards just about everything we encounter in life. These unconscious thoughts and feelings can cause us to unreasonably believe certain things about ourselves and the world. We may never actively express or think through these beliefs, but they can be reflected in our words as well as our actions.

The field of pediatric oncology isn’t immune to this phenomenon.

There’s plenty we still don’t understand about childhood cancer, but there are a few things we can tell you for sure. There are a lot of myths – conscious and unconscious – that people believe about pediatric cancer.

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, it’s time to bust these myths!

7 Myths About Childhood Cancer, Busted

Myth #1 – Childhood cancer comes from the parents.

Cancer develops due to abnormally developing cells. In other words, there’s something wrong with the genetic data within the cell, causing it to grow abnormally. Because of the genetic component and a lack of exposure to environmental carcinogens, some think that childhood cancer is simply inherited from the parents.

But that’s not how genetics work! It is true that some partners will have a higher chance of having children with various conditions based on their genetic makeup (making them carriers for certain conditions and mutations). But there’s not a “cancer gene.”

The process of dividing cells in a growing being is complicated. Sometimes things go wrong. But that doesn’t mean the blueprint was bad!

Myth #2 – Once the cancer is gone, you’re good to go.

After successfully beating cancer, health and wellness don’t take a backseat. Cancer survivors of all ages need proper follow-up care not only to watch for the development of secondary cancers or a return of cancer but to manage other conditions and effects caused by cancer and its treatments. Survivorship is ongoing and every childhood cancer survivor needs proactive care to ensure a long, healthy life!

Myth #3 – Childhood cancer survivors have a poorer quality of life.

Although follow-up care is necessary for survivors, it doesn’t mean that they stay sick or will somehow live a less full life because of their cancer. Survivors can (and often) live long, happy lives in which they build families, achieve great careers, and generally flourish! A child’s quality of life isn’t defined by their cancer. While complications can arise, not every survivor is destined to deal with ongoing health issues.

Myth #4 – It’s better to hide cancer from a child than to scare them with the truth.

Some think that telling children about their cancer diagnosis will scare them – therefore, it’s better not to tell them at all. This is bad, bad advice. What scares children more than the known is the unknown. It will cause more anxiety, more fear, and worse outcomes. While every explanation must be age-appropriate, they must also be honest!

Myth #5 – Pediatric cancer is a death sentence.

Childhood cancer statistics have greatly improved in just a few decades. In the 1970s, the 5-year survival rate for pediatric cancer patients was around 58% percent. Today, thanks to medical and treatment advancements, it is 85%! While this is an overall survival rate – the actual prognosis will vary depending on the type of cancer – it points to this reality: kids with cancer survive, and they’re surviving in greater numbers each and every year.

Myth #6 – Pediatric cancer and adult cancer are the same.

Cancer is cancer, right? Wrong! Adult cancers are increasingly linked to environmental and lifestyle factors that expose us to carcinogens over our lifetime. The causes of cancer in children, though, are largely unknown. Not only is this the case, but the treatment for an adult and the treatment for a child is never identical.

When researchers specifically target pediatric cancers, we’re better able to catch, treat, and even prevent them!

Myth #7 – Childhood cancer research is slow and ineffective.

Childhood cancer research may seem slow, but there have been incredible advancements in just the past five years. Just look at how survivorship rates have grown! This research is powerful when it’s properly funded. Pediatric cancer research is highly collaborative and effective under the right circumstances.

And remember, there’s not just one cure for cancer. A wide variety of cancers demand a host of treatments to match. Medicine should be individualized, particularly in children with cancer!