Implications of cancer for school attendance and behavior

School absences are more frequent for children with cancer compared with both healthy children and those with other chronic conditions. While absence rates generally decrease with time, they remain a concern for many survivors. Teachers do not report behavioral problems in school, but do suggest that children have difficulties with social behavior and peer relationships. Children themselves do not see themselves to be socially isolated, though there are suggestions that peers may be less willing to make friends with cancer survivors.