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Psychology, family and everyday life

Study: keeping on learning during treatment

School and university are a normal part of life, and study may be possible during treatment: online, at home, in a hospital school or on a reduced timetable.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A student sitting on his bed writing in a notebook
Figure 1.Learning can continue during treatment

01Short answer

Make a plan with your team and your school or university: when to study from home and when to return to class. How much to tell teachers is your choice, or your family's. Tiredness and trouble concentrating can happen, so ask about short study blocks, breaks and extra time in exams. If there is chickenpox, measles or similar in the class, the school should tell you at once. Staying in touch with classmates by message or video call guards against isolation. There are special support programmes for young people.

02Simple explanation

Plan: with your team and school.

Short blocks.

Infection in class: they tell you.

Friends: stay in touch.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: for adolescents and young adults, continuing education and staying connected with peers are important areas of support.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Attention

Treatment can temporarily affect memory and focus.

Hospital school

Some centres hold lessons during treatment.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
AttentionTreatment can temporarily affect memory and focus.
Hospital schoolSome centres hold lessons during treatment.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Individual plan
A study plan adapted to your condition.
Online learning
Lessons over the internet.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Plan.
  • Take breaks.
  • Stay connected.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Will I lose a year?

Flexible options often exist; talk to your school early.

I cannot concentrate.

This can be from treatment; tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will I lose a year?

  2. I cannot concentrate.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Mouth and Throat Problems during Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  9. NHS. Blood transfusion
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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