Childhood cancer survivors face lasting learning & attention challenges: Study

Bengaluru: Children who survive cancer often experience lasting cognitive difficulties, including lower intelligence levels and attention deficits, according to a recent study published on 'ScienceDirect', a leading scientific and medical research platform.

The study, published in the journal 'Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews', found that 18% of non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancer survivors have lower intelligence levels, while 10–12% struggle with attention-related issues.

Other studies cited report that 40–60% of survivors face challenges with executive function, learning and memory, visual and motor skills, and language development — factors that significantly affect school readiness.

Psychologists and oncologists in Bengaluru say these difficulties extend beyond academics, impacting nearly every aspect of learning after treatment.

“Children who survive cancer often present with severe anxiety, depression and adjustment issues,” said Dr Vyjayanthi N V, Consultant, Department of Psychiatry. “Disrupted routines, prolonged absence from school and separation from peers create a sense of isolation, which can later manifest as anger or behavioural issues not previously seen.”

She added that many survivors struggle to attain cognitive and emotional maturity at the same pace as their peers.

Highlighting the school environment’s role, psychologist S Suparna said support systems can be inconsistent. “Sometimes school helps, but other times it breaks them. Whispers from classmates and pressure to catch up academically often lead to emotional breakdowns. While survivors are monitored for relapse, mental health check-ins frequently fall through the cracks.”

Oncologists point to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy as major contributors to these developmental challenges.

“These therapies can affect brain growth in younger children and cause hormone imbalances, delayed puberty, chronic fatigue and emotional health issues, areas most schools are ill-equipped to handle,” said Dr Prerana Nesargi, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist.

She noted that comprehensive survivorship programmes remain largely absent. “Surviving cancer is not just about being disease-free; it’s about enabling a child to live a fully functional life.”

Echoing this, Dr Raghuram CP, Senior Consultant in Paediatric Haematology, said survivorship care must go beyond treatment.

“While some programmes are emerging, they are insufficient. Survivorship should include treatment summaries and care plans for families and primary care providers, risk-based screening at regular intervals, and coordinated access to services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, psychological support, educational assistance and transition to adult survivorship programmes during late adolescence.”