The patient's socialization in the community and school during therapy.

As medical advances have made it possible for a greater number of children with cancer to live into adulthood, the focus of concern has shifted from preparation for death to a full and active preparation for adult living. As children live longer, it becomes critical that the family, the larger community, and the school begin to focus on teaching the child and adolescent and young adult skills necessary for an adult participation in society. This article summarizes studies on the school and family, and gives direction to how the professional can direct the school and the family in teaching the child with cancer the socialization skills necessary for growth into adulthood.