School is a major part of a young person’s life. Most of their friendships and social life is developed through their school life. Most young people living with cancer are interested in keeping up with their schoolwork, schoolmates and activities. While this is not always that easy, most young people find attending school and participating in other social activities makes them feel better – that ordinary life has returned.

Due to physical and emotional stress, you may not always be able to keep up with your schoolwork, or be around your friends and involved in the different school activities.

• Most hospitals have teachers on staff to assist you with your work.
• If you are at home, ask for your teacher to visit you on a regular basis.
• When you are studying, it may seem harder to concentrate. That’s ok, you already have a lot on your mind.
• Ask your friends to bring you homework while you are at home or in the hospital.
• Try and go to school for half a day or a couple of hours, instead of missing the whole day.
• Talk openly about cancer. It is important to ensure your teachers and schoolmates understand what is happening and how best to support you and your siblings.
• You may need to reevaluate your short term educational goals and extend the timeframe in which to achieve them.
• Be straight with your schoolmates and let them know how they can help, and what things are not helpful.

After a period of absence from school you may feel both excited and nervous about going back. You may feel self conscious about the changes in your life and unsure of how others will deal with it. Some young people find it helpful to have a professional visit their school to prepare and educate the teachers and classmates about cancer and how to treat young people living with cancer. The hospital and CanTeen should be able to help you with this.

At some point in time you may notice a change in your performance at school. This may be a direct result of absenteeism, or other factors such as poor concentration, lack of motivation and emotional and physical difficulties. If you encounter difficulties processing, learning and retaining new information talk to your teachers and parents and if necessary the medical team. Ask them to work together with your school to develop reasonable expectations that may include modifications to the classroom and/or curriculum.

If you are attending university or a polytechnic most of what has been mentioned under the work section can also be applied to tertiary education. The challenges and solutions discussed are relevant to both students and people in the workforce. Talking to your Head of Department, lecturers and tutors should help in creating a supportive environment for you to continue working towards your educational goals.