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Impact of childhood cancer on return to normal schooling
I J Larcombe1, J Walker, A Charlton
1Department of Epidemiology and Social Oncology, Christie, Hospital, Manchester.
Insights
Children treated for cancer experienced more problems returning to school than those with other conditions. Improved communication between hospitals, schools, and homes is crucial for supporting these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the psychosocial impact of cancer treatment on children's school reintegration.
- Existing studies often focus on family impact rather than the child's school experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the problems children face when returning to school after cancer treatment.
- To compare the school reintegration challenges of children with cancer to those with chronic or orthopedic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Parents and teachers of 117 children were surveyed about school reintegration issues.
- The study included children with cancer, chronic diseases, and orthopedic conditions.
Main Results:
- Children treated for cancer reported the most and most varied problems upon returning to school.
- Physical problems were most diverse, while academic problems were least diverse.
- Drug treatments and missed education were significant factors, with teachers often lacking information.
Conclusions:
- Children with cancer face significant challenges returning to school, encompassing physical, psychological, and behavioral issues.
- Enhanced liaison between healthcare facilities, schools, and families is essential.
- Educating teachers about children's capabilities and academic needs post-treatment is vital for successful reintegration.
Abstract:
Most of the research into the psychosocial impact of treatment for cancer in children has concentrated on effects on the family rather than on the children's return to school. Thus parents and teachers were questioned about the problems experienced by 117 children who returned to school after spending time in hospital. The children comprised 51 with cancer and two groups of control children (34 with chronic diseases such as renal disease and cardiac conditions and 32 with orthopaedic conditions such as thoracic scoliosis, club foot, and injuries resulting from trauma). Children in all three groups experienced problems on returning to school, the greatest number and variety occurring in the children treated for cancer and the fewest in the children with orthopaedic conditions. The variety of physical problems was greatest and the variety of academic problems was least, with psychological and behavioural problems intermediate. Several problems seemed to be related to drug treatment. Several children missed a considerable amount of full time education. Many teachers were unsure of the academic expectations and physical capabilities of children returning to school. To facilitate a smooth return to school for a child with cancer improved liaison is needed between the hospital, school, and home during the child's absence and teachers need to be better informed.