Cancer in the school community

This section is for school staff who want to support students, families and colleagues affected by cancer. It is relevant for all primary and secondary school staff throughout Australia. It may also be helpful for parents, guardians, students and family members.

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Talking about cancer in schools

Talking about cancer is never easy, and you may feel concerned about saying the wrong thing.

When a student has cancer

A student’s diagnosis can be shocking for many in the school community, but the school can play a crucial role in supporting the student.

When a family member has cancer

Teachers and other school staff play a key role in maintaining a sense of stability and normality for the student during this challenging time.

When a staff member has cancer

If a staff member in your school has been diagnosed with cancer, it can affect every aspect of their life, including their employment.

The bereaved school community

Although many people diagnosed with cancer will be successfully treated and live for many years, not everyone will recover and some people with cancer do die.

More support for students and staff

We can provide information and support, and can point you in the right direction for more specialised assistance.

Sample letters for schools

When someone in a school community has cancer, a key part of the principal’s role is to communicate essential information to parents.

Cancer stories in the school community

While every cancer journey is different, these personal insights enrich our understanding of how cancer can affect a school community.

Podcast: Explaining Cancer to Kids

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Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.

This information was last updated in June 2018. See who reviewed this content.

Claire Tobin, Principal Medical Advisor, Department of Education and Training, VIC; Dr Antoinette Anazodo, Paediatric and Adolescent Oncologist, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, Director of The Sydney Youth Cancer Service, and Conjoint Senior Researcher, University of New South Wales, NSW; Lisa Barrow, Clinical Nurse Educator, Children’s Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC; Margo Bulic, Psychosocial Support Worker, CanTeen, ACT; Amber Copeland, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland; Donna Drew, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Paediatric Oncology/Palliative Care, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW; Allesha Fecondo, Education Consultant, Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, and Education Liaison, Ronald McDonald Learning Program, Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, VIC; John Friedsam, General Manager of Divisions, CanTeen Australia, NSW; Pina Hutcheson, President, Catholic Primary Principals’ Association of WA; Cara Irvine, Year 8 Coordinator, Alfred Deakin High School, ACT; Andrew Long, Assistant Director, Policy and Research, Independent Schools Council of Australia, ACT; Dr Alistair Lum, Post-doctoral Research Fellow – Behavioural Sciences Unit, Sydney Children’s Hospital, University of New South Wales, NSW; Kristine Luszczynski, Learning Program Manager, Quality and Standards, Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, NSW; Anita Neville, National Manager, Ronald McDonald Learning Program, Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, VIC; NSW Department of Education, NSW; Mandy Roney, Consumer; Shannon Rush, Primary School Program Manager, Camp Quality, SA; Luke Wade, Education and Career Support Consultant, Redkite, QLD.

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