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• Talking to children when an adult has cancer
• Emotional impact of cancer
• Preparing for a child with cancer returning to school
• Back at school
• Issues children with cancer face
• Follow up after treatment
• Coping with a child's declining health
• Useful resources

Back at school

	After a cancer illness, most children and teens readjust well to school. However there may be emotional, physical, and cognitive changes, which can affect the child or teen at school.

Teachers of children with cancer should become informed about the child's illness and treatment plan. Misinformation can increase fears and anxiety for everyone - the teacher, ill child, and classmates. Teachers and other educators should stay in touch with the child's parents and appropriate medical staff.

Although the child with cancer may have some limitations, they will likely want to be treated the same as everyone else.

	'I know the fear that kids with cancer feel when they go back into school. They want to be treated just like everyone else, but often teachers and friends are uncertain how to act around them.'Lizzi, who had cancer as a teenager

They want to go to school, have friends, and enjoy things that were a part of life before cancer. It may not be possible for them to go back to the way things were, but they can live as normal a life as possible. Some activities may need to be changed at different times during treatment, for example after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the child can feel very tired and need more rest.

Encourage the child to stay in touch with friends. Keeping up with schoolwork and their friends will make them feel good about themselves. Some local education authorities and medical centres offer back-to-school programs, which may help the child and classmates understand the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and know what to expect. A representative from the child’s medical team or a related organisation can visit the child’s classroom.

More information and support

0808 808 00 00

This is our number for everyone affected by cancer. If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan. (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)

You can also check out the useful resources on this website for other sources of support.

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.