Gischlar K. L., & Dombrowski S. C.
Providing services for students with a childhood cnacer diagnosis.

Abstract:
According to the American Caner Society (ACS; 2005) an estimated 9,510 new diagnoses of childhood cancer were expected during the past year among children ages 0 - 14 years. Despite its relative rarity, cancer is the leading non-accidental cause of death for children in the 0 - 14 years age group. The most commonly diagnosed cancers in childhood are leukemia (approximately 30% of cases) and cancers of the brain and central nervous system (approximately 21% of cases). Childhood cancers usually are treated with a combination of therapies, including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, depending on the type and location of the disease. Although rates vary considerably depending on the type of cancer, 5-year survival rates for children diagnosed with some form of cancer have risen from less than 50% in the 1960s to more than 70% in the 1990s (ACS).

Survivors of childhood cancer are growing in numbers and in recent years it has become apparent that some children experience side effects of treatment several months, or even years, after treatment. These late effects include organ malfunction, secondary cancers, and cognitive and social impairments. The purpose of this presentation is to provide information about childhood cancer, its treatment and late effects. Participants will learn how the school psychologist can work with students diagnosed with cancer as well as their families, and school personnel. Moreover, participants will gain an understanding of steps that can be taken to help survivors of childhood cancer reintegrate the school and how to monitor students for late effects of treatment. Finally, participants will be provided with information regarding transitioning the childhood cancer survivor from school to community and will discuss a case study in which they will brainstorm programming for a student with cancer.