Childhood Cancer and Problems in School
Cancer and cancer treatment both put a strain on the body and brain. Childhood cancer, therefore, disrupts a child's schooling. With it come cognitive challenges that hinder academic performance. Absences from school also causes children to lag behind. This may be seen during cancer treatment, as well as after treatment has ended in the form of Late Effects.
Cancer and cancer treatment both put a strain on the body and brain. Childhood cancer, therefore, disrupts a child's schooling. With it come cognitive challenges that hinder academic performance. Absences from school also causes children to lag behind. This may be seen during cancer treatment, as well as after treatment has ended in the form of Late Effects.
What Do Cancer and Treatment Methods Do to a Child's Body and Brain?
Which Cancer Treatments Affect a Child's Learning Abilities?
- Reduced energy Levels
- Impaired hearing and/or vision
- Physical disabilities
- Issues with central nervous system
- Memory problems
- Reduced attention, concentration, and reading comprehension
- Difficulty writing and performing other fine motor skills
- Reduced language processing skills
Which Cancer Treatments Affect a Child's Learning Abilities?
- Chemotherapy with methotrexate given in high doses intravenously (IV) or injected into the spinal fluid
- Chemotherapy with cytarabine given in high doses intravenously (IV)
- Chemotherapy with cisplatin or carboplatin
- Brain surgeries
- Radiation to the brain, ear/midfacial area behind the cheekbones
- Total body irradiation
For children with cancer, these learning difficulties may make them frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious, and discouraged as they struggle to keep up with peers academically. But there are several ways to support them through this.
Source: Anant Nath Sharma/Flickr.
How to Help Children with Cancer Continue their Education
- Allow use of calculators for students struggling with maths
- Provide list of math formulas for students with memory problems
- Allow use of computers and voice recorders to complete class assignments
- Assign 'scribes' to students struggling with writing
- Provide graph paper to help students write neatly and in clean lines
- Allow extended time to complete assignments or exams
- Provide seating in less crowded, quieter areas
- Provide teachers' notes or PowerPoint presentations for easier understanding
- Avoid asking them to answer questions in class or speak publicly unless they volunteer
- Allow students with walking challenges extra time to get from one classroom to another
- Provide accessible infrastructure like ramps and lifts for students with walking challenges
- Adapt PT and PE classes to the abilities of the child
- Use audio books for those with reading challenges
- Ensure teachers read instructions aloud, and clearly, instead of providing only written instructions
When schools, teachers, peers, and parents make all necessary accommodations for children with cancer, they have a chance to continue their education and go on to lead fulfilling lives just like anyone else!