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Managing school during blood cancer treatment as a young adult

Some people continue to work or attend school through cancer treatment, but others are not able to do so. Talk to your healthcare team to know what to expect from treatment so you can make the decision that is best for you. 

If you are a student, you may need to take a medical leave of absence. In most cases, a medical leave of absence means you will have the option to return to school when you are able. Schools have different policies for medical leave absence. Talk to your school’s administration to discuss your options.  Learn more about college and cancer from Triage Cancer.

If you have federal student loans, you can defer your student loan payments throughout treatment and then for six months afterward. Contact your loan servicer to learn more about deferment. You may also be eligible for scholarships for young adults with a history of cancer from LLS or other organizations.

When you return to work or school after cancer treatment, you may need to make changes so you can do your job or schoolwork to the best of your ability. Let your teacher or employer know. Some special accommodations may be protected by law.

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A young child celebrating the end of blood cancer treatment stands indoors ringing a brass “Ringing Out” bell mounted on a plaque. The child smiles with eyes closed, surrounded by red‑and‑white decorations and signs. They wear a black shirt that reads “My Last Day of Chemo — It Was Tough but I Was Tougher,” symbolizing strength, remission, and completion of chemotherapy

Loxley

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Snapshot of Tracy wearing a hat and glasses in front of a waterfall, a cancer survivor

Tracy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Young child with a shaved head stands outdoors on a sunlit driveway, raising both arms overhead while holding a small object, with a rural landscape and trailer in the background—an empowering moment symbolizing strength and resilience in the blood cancer community.

Oakley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Gabriele Papa, AML

Gabriele

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person wearing a long-sleeved gray shirt and black pants is standing outdoors next to a large bush covered in clusters of small white flowers. The individual is holding a bright green bag over one shoulder and appears to be closely observing or smelling the flowers. The background includes dense greenery and trees, creating a lush garden setting.

Cinn

acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Gerardo (Jerry), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient

Gerardo (Jerry)

myelofibrosis (MF), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - In memory

A child is sitting cross-legged on a paved surface outdoors, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a blue sleeveless jumpsuit with large buttons on the front. The child has short, light-colored hair and is wearing brown sandals. In the background, there is a white picket fence and a blurred house. The lighting suggests a bright, sunny day.

Aero

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

A runner in a bright pink jacket moves confidently through a bustling city street as crowds make their way past the grand architecture of Philadelphia’s City Hall. The energy of the race, paired with the towering historic building in the background, creates a powerful, hopeful atmosphere—reflecting determination, courage, and the unwavering support shown for those whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Nicole

Healthcare professional, donor/supporter

Smiling person seated indoors wearing purple, representing strength, resilience, and hope within the blood cancer community and Blood Cancer United.

Jean

multiple myeloma (MM)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.