Educational pathways of childhood cancer survivors-a parental cohort

S Michael; A Borgmann-Staudt; G Sommerhäuser; K Kepakova; S Klco-Brosius; J Kruseova; E Nagele; A Panasiuk; J Vetsch; M Balcerek

doi:10.1007/s11764-022-01303-y

Educational pathways of childhood cancer survivors-a parental cohort

J Cancer Surviv. 2023 Apr;17(2):518-525. doi: 10.1007/s11764-022-01303-y. Epub 2022 Dec 2.

Authors

S Michael¹, A Borgmann-Staudt², G Sommerhäuser^{1

3}, K Kepakova⁴, S Klco-Brosius¹, J Kruseova⁵, E Nagele⁶, A Panasiuk⁷, J Vetsch⁸, M Balcerek^{1

9}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
² Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany. anja.borgmann@charite.de.
³ Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany, Berlin, Germany.
⁴ University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
⁵ University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
⁶ Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.
⁷ Medical University Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.
⁸ Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
⁹ Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.

Abstract

Purpose: Using the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), we examined the educational and vocational pathways of two comparable, parental cohorts: childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and their siblings. Both cohorts had previously entered parenthood. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether childhood cancer and treatment affect the educational pathways chosen by parents who are former patients.

Methods: We analysed data that was collected from childhood cancer survivors and their siblings regarding their offspring's health within the FeCt Multicentre Offspring Study (conducted 2013-2016). We evaluated and compared the professional pathways of (i) all participating survivors and all participating siblings and those of (ii) survivors and their biological siblings.

Results: Overall information on parental gender, age, and education were available from 1077 survivors and 246 siblings (group (i)). The majority of participants were female with a mean age of 35.2 (survivor) and 37.9 (sibling) years at time of survey. For subgroup (ii), analysis information was available on 191 survivors and 210 siblings. Fathers achieved university degrees significantly more often than mothers (p = 0.003 (i), p < 0.001 (ii)). The distribution of professional education was not significantly different between cancer survivors and siblings in either cohort (i) or (ii).

Conclusions: Regarding our research on the educational and vocational trajectory of CCS, patients can be reassured that family planning and vocational education are well compatible. Inequalities regarding gender-specific educational pathways remain to be addressed.

Implications for cancer survivors: CCS should monitor their fertility status regularly and, if necessary, cryopreserve germ cells or tissue in order to optimize their family planning. Educational opportunities should be pursued as desired and with confidence. Local as well as European aftercare programs can assist with family planning and education.

Keywords: Childhood cancer survivor; Education; Offspring; University degree; Vocational training.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Cancer Survivors*
Child
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Male
Neoplasms* / therapy
Parents
Siblings
Survivors