Myths and Realities of Cancer Treatment Modalities as Perceived by Pediatric Patients Suffering from Cancer and their Mothers

Abstract

Cancer is a group of diseases while the cells become abnormal, divide without control, invade other tissues, and spread into the body by circulation. Aim: Assess pediatric patients and their mother’s perception of myths and realities related to cancer treatment modalities. Research design: A descriptive design was utilized in the current study. Setting: The study was carried out at Dar EL Salam Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 65 children in addition to 35 mothers accompanying their children. Tool of data collection: A predesigned Interview Questionnaire format to gather data related to personal characteristics of the studied subjects and their knowledge/perception about myths and realities of cancer treatment modalities (and their mothers if necessary). Results: One quarter of the children and their mothers were perceived myths regarding cancer treatment modalities. Conclusion: Myths and realities related to cancer treatment modalities were known only to about half of the children and their accompanying mothers. Recommendations: Continuous evaluation of pediatric patients suffering from cancer and their mothers to change the myths concerning cancer treatment modalities.