Myths & Stigmas

Breaking the Silence: Replacing Fear with Facts

Myths and stigmas surrounding childhood cancer often create a dangerous culture of silence that prevents families from seeking the life-saving care their children deserve. At CCO, we are committed to dismantling these barriers. We are expanding our reach into the most remote regions of Lesotho—from the bustling lowlands to the isolated highlands—to grow our education campaigns. By replacing misinformation with the truth, we ensure that every "Young Warrior" has a clear, unobstructed pathway to diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some myths and stigmas around childhood cancer:

Myths & Stigmas

Cancer is contagious.
You can get cancer by playing or touching a cancer patient.
Children cannot get cancer.
Children do not get cancer because of their race and gender.
Childhood cancer is the fault of the child or parents.
There is no need for the elders to talk about cancer in the family.
Decisions of transfusions or amputations should only
be taken by the elders.
There are no signs and symptoms with childhood cancer.
Children do not survive cancer.
There is nothing that can be done once a child is diagnosed.
Certain families do not have the right to health care.

Reality

Cancer is NOT contagious.
You cannot get cancer by playing or touching a cancer patient.
Children can get cancer.
Children can be diagnosed with cancer, irrespective of race or gender.
Childhood cancer is a blood disorder and no one is at fault for this illness.
There is a need for the elders to talk about cancer in the family.
Decisions of transfusions or amputations should be taken in consultation with elders in the best interest of the child’s survival.
There are early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
Children can survive cancer if diagnosed early.
Early diagnosis is the key to survival.
All have a right to health care.

1. What is childhood cancer, and how is it different from adult cancer?

Childhood cancer is a disease of the body’s cells that develops in growing tissues like blood, bone marrow, and kidneys. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancer is not lifestyle-related (it is not caused by smoking, diet, or environment) and often responds much better to treatment because children’s bodies have a higher capacity for healing.

2. Is childhood cancer curable?

Yes. With early detection and specialized medical care, 70–85% of childhood cancers are curable. Our mission at CCO is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and survival so that every "Young Warrior" in Lesotho has the chance to thrive.

3. What are the "St. Siluan" Early Warning Signs?

The St. Siluan signs are a life-saving checklist to help you spot potential symptoms. They include:

S – Seek medical help for persistent symptoms.

I – Eye changes (white spots or new squints).

L – Lumps or unexplained swellings.

U – Unexplained fever, weight loss, or bruising.

A – Aching bones or joints.

N – Neurological signs (changes in balance or speech).

4. Is childhood cancer contagious?

No. Childhood cancer is not a "catchable" disease. It is safe and encouraged to hug, play with, and support children undergoing treatment. It is also not caused by "bad luck" or "punishment"—it is a biological medical condition.

5. Does CCO provide medical treatment?

CCO does not provide medical treatment directly. Instead, we work through a formal MOU with the Ministry of Health to support the child’s medical journey. We focus on holistic care, providing the logistical, emotional, and financial support families need to access specialized oncology services.

6. How does CCO support families traveling for treatment?

Many children in Lesotho require specialized care at centers in Bloemfontein, South Africa. CCO provides essential transport and lunch packages for these trips to ensure that no child misses a life-saving appointment due to financial barriers.

7. Who is eligible for support from CCO?

We support children under the age of 16 in Lesotho who have been diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. Currently, we are walking the journey with 53 brave children and their families.

8. How can I refer a child to CCO?

If a child shows persistent warning signs, they should first visit their local clinic or doctor. Once a potential case is identified, the medical team will follow the referral pathway to specialized care. Parents or health workers can contact CCO directly to begin receiving logistical and emotional support during this transition.

9. Why is early detection so important?

Early detection is the single most important factor in survival. When cancer is caught in its early stages, it is less likely to have spread, making treatment more effective and less invasive. Our outreach campaigns aim to move children from "late-stage" diagnosis to "early-stage" healing.

10. How can I help Lesotho’s Young Warriors?

There are three main ways to join our mission:

Donate: Funds go directly to transport, nutritious meals, and emotional care.

Partner: We welcome corporate and institutional collaborations.

Volunteer: Share your professional skills or your voice to spread awareness in your community.

"Bringing hope, one child at a time".

Donate now

At CCO, we are committed to nurturing the hope and well-being of Lesotho’s Young Warriors. We are honored to be a part of their path to recovery. Stay connected with us for vital early detection tips, survivor stories, and updates on how we are bringing hope, one child at a time.