Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common pediatric cancer and the leading cause of cancer related deaths in this population. Over the last several decades, childhood and adolescence cancer survival rates have improved, and the number of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors is growing. However, a cancer diagnosis in childhood or adolescence can leave survivors with lifelong health, psychosocial and financial challenges. One common sequelae of cancer in children are neurocognitive late effects, especially from treatment for CNS tumors. All childhood and adolescent cancer survivors will face some disruption to their education, and the disruption will be greater for those receiving more intensive cancer treatments for longer durations. Given this, the research team at the BC Children’s Hospital, PHSA is conducting a study to gain insights from healthcare providers and educators (school principals) to gain insight into the educational needs, challenges, and successes of childhood cancer survivors as they navigate their academic journeys.
The study will involve a short screening form, and eligible participants will be invited to participate in an interview (for healthcare providers) or a focus group (with school principals) over Zoom. The interview will take no longer than 60 minutes (for interviews) or 90 minutes (for focus group) of your time.
If you are a healthcare provider (who has cared for a primary oncology patient(s) in the last 10 years within BC, and this patient has been reintegrated back into school in Vancouver) OR if you are a school principal under the Vancouver School Board and Have experience of supporting childhood cancer survivors’ re-integration back to school) and are interested in participating in this study, please visit (CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS) or contact Dr. Sara Izadi-Najafabadi at educational.outcomes@bccrc.ca for more information or to express your interest.
Participants selected for a Zoom interview will receive a $50 gift card as a token of appreciation.