CKF North York Blog - Pediatric Cancer in the Media
- Cancer Kids First North York
- Jun 19, 2021
- 2 min read
Mackenzie Law | June 19, 2021
Hi everyone and Happy Pride Month! Welcome back to the Cancer Kids First North York chapter’s blog!
In May, our chapter held two virtual movie nights: Clouds and Five Feet Apart. These events were a success and, altogether, there were over 25 attendants and over $150 were raised. The CKF North York team knew they wanted our movie nights to have a focus on pediatric cancer, but were surprised to see that there are few movies within this realm to choose from. So, what better to focus on in this month’s blog, than the representation of youth cancer in the media?
It goes without saying that most books, movies and TV shows - regardless of the topic - are Hollywoodized, but this can be detrimental when they’re portraying youth cancer.
For instance, a common misconception about youth cancer is that it is incurable. The media is certainly a driver in this misconception; studies have shown that film depicts a discouraging picture of pediatric cancer with a 66% mortality rate. However, in reality, cancer in children is highly treatable and curable. Although there certainly are tragic outcomes like those depicted in movies like Clouds and The Fault in Our Stars, there are significantly more stories with positive outcomes. In fact, in Canada, 83% of children diagnosed with cancer survive. Ending a fiction story of youth cancer with death is common, but data has shown that real stories of youth cancer likely won’t end with death. So, why not create more stories where a child is diagnosed with cancer, is brave and strong, and fights the cancer, and lives to see tomorrow?
Another notable difference between pediatric cancer in real life and in the media is the types of cancers that are portrayed and the way this is done. In the Fault in Our Stars, the protagonists have thyroid cancer and osteosarcoma. Data shows that only 2% of thyroid cancer cases occur in youth; and, even if it metastasizes, this type of cancer is highly treatable with a survival rate of 95%. Similarly, osteosarcoma makes up about 5% of pediatric cancers with a long-term survival rate of about 65%. Avoiding any spoilers (because you definitely should watch the movie if you haven’t!), there are also inaccuracies in the way that cancer is treated and spreads. The character with osteosarcoma undergoes an amputation, but their cancer returns and spreads everywhere. However, amputations are not always necessary for those with osteosarcoma and, if it returns, this cancer typically only spreads to the lungs.
Although stories of cancer in the media can be slightly inaccurate and don’t always show the full picture, they’re still relevant to help raise awareness and stimulate the conversation on pediatric cancer. Movies like the Fault in Our Stars show the way cancer can shape and affect families and relationships, and discusses themes common in youth cancer such as loneliness and isolation - among other topics that those with cancer can connect to.
Thank you to our devoted volunteers, event attendees and donors. You all made the month of May a month to remember for our chapter. If you’re interested in learning more, making a donation or joining the team, follow our instagram (@cancerkidsfirst.northyork) or email us
(cancerkidsfirstnorthyork@gmail.com) for more information.
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