Childhood Cancer Education Resources For Educators

Parents often feel overwhelmed after receiving their child's diagnosis. It can take them some time to consider the impact of cancer on their child's education.

In hospital, young children can become used to interacting with more adults than children, and they may need more support from early childhood teachers.

Having cancer often interrupts the normal developmental process a teenager goes through as they become independent from their parents and other adults.

There are many reasons why a student with cancer may need to miss school.

Once your student and their family have a clear idea of what their cancer treatment will involve, it is a good idea for you or someone else at your school to talk with their parents about what schoolwork may be appropriate.

When your student comes back to school after cancer it can be a good sign that their life is returning to their 'new normal'.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy will damage normal cells as well as cancerous ones. Some children will recover all function completely, but others may have difficulties.

Often simple measures can help your student who has cancer get the most from their remaining life.

Brothers and sisters of cancer patients may experience feelings of guilt, rejection, fear, depression, or anxiety.

A list of some of the options that may be available to help you plan for and teach your student who has cancer.

Children often have many questions about cancer. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

A letter your school can personalise to let parents at your school know that a student has cancer. Remember to consult with your student's family beforehand.

Some useful resources to help with a child's re-entry into the classroom after cancer treatment. 

There are some things to consider before a student with cancer returns to their school or early learning centre. Find out how parents, caregivers and school staff can make the child or young person's transition as safe and easy as possible for them. 

To give others easy access to KidsHealth's content on cancer and education information, you can share a QR code poster. Anyone can scan the QR code with their phone and go straight to KidsHealth's content on cancer and education.