Children with cancer may need special education
18 April 2003
One-quarter of children who survive cancer need special education for learning difficulties, US research shows.
Children with cancer should therefore be followed closely to identify early signs of learning difficulties, researchers suggested (Cancer 2003; 97: 1115-26).
Data obtained from 12,430 children who survived cancer for at least 5 years showed that those diagnosed under the age of 6 years were most likely to need special education.
Those who had central nervous system tumours, leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease (a malignant tumour of the lymph nodes), intrathecal methotrexate (a chemotherapy medication injected into the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord), or radiation therapy to the head also had special educational needs, the researchers wrote.
Last Reviewed: 17 April 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 18/4/03
