Learning problems in childhood cancer
Certain treatments for childhood cancer are known to cause learning problems in survivors, particularly when central nervous system -directed therapies are used. As the mortality rates of childhood cancers have plummeted since effective treatment regiments have been introduced, greater attention has been paid to the effect of treatment on neurocognitive morbidity and quality of life of survivors. The goal of treatment for childhood cancers today is to minimize these adverse "late effects", while ensuring long-term survival.
Effect of cancer and its treatment on brain development
Research shows that children with cancer are at risk for developing various cognitive or learning problems. These difficulties may be related to brain injury stemming from the cancer itself, such as a brain tumor or central nervous system metastasis or from side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Studies have shown that chemo and radiation therapies may damage brain white matter and disrupt brain activity.Cognitive problems that have been associated with cancer and its treatments in children include deficits in attention, working memory, processing speed, mental flexibility, persistence, verbal fluency, memory, motor skills, academic achievement and social function. Despite known impact of cancer treatment on cognition, consistently reduced educational attainment among childhood cancer survivors hasn't been established. These deficits have been shown to occur irrespective of age, socioeconomic status, months since onset or cessation of treatment, anxiety, and dosage schedule. A long-term deficit which interacts with cognitive problems is There is an overlap between both reduced cognitive speed and fatigue and between depression and fatigue.