Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit for Schools and Educators
You Have a Child in Your Class or Your School with Cancer
What do you need to know? What to look for? What is your responsibility to this child and their family?
Most childhood cancer patients will experience one or more chronic and often lifelong health issues that affect learning abilities. Their return to the normalcy of school, friends, and activities will be a joyous time but also a time to be alert for changes in their ability to process information and learn.
OVERVIEW
More than 700 Carolina children will be diagnosed with cancer annually – it is the leading disease killer of children and youth ages birth to 18 in America. They will join thousands already undergoing treatment or making their way in survivorship.
Treatment methods vary depending on the type of cancer, as does the treatment length, which may extend 18-24 months or longer. One child may have surgery and then require no further treatment, while another child may have surgery, followed by chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes a bone marrow transplant. The cure rate for childhood cancer is better than ever before, with some types of cancer being at a 95% success rate or better.
Treatment can be long, rigorous, and debilitating. Following treatment, both children and teens can suffer from late effects of treatment that include many physical, cognitive, psycho-social, and emotional challenges. These challenges must be addressed before transitioning back to school. The transition back to school can be challenging. However, with the medical team, parents, and school team working together in a strong partnership, children and teens can successfully reintegrate back into school. This educational toolkit is designed to assist school personnel, parents, and the medical team with information and forms to make the transition easier.
Message from A Mother
