Children with cancer are more likely to experience bullying at school, a new survey reveals.
CLIC Sargent cancer charity in the UK interviewed more than 200 families and found loss of hair and weight gain after cancer treatment putting children at higher risks of facing bullying at school. A significant number of parents reported the disease affecting their children's education and friendship at school.
While 35 percent of parents admitted to their children experiencing some kind of bullying at school, about 47 percent reported cancer diagnosis taking their children's friends away from them.
"James used to have friends at school but the ones closest to him started to be really cruel and nasty to him when he returned after his main cancer treatment. There were occasions when older kids would laugh at him and tell him he was going to die," one of the parents told South Wales Guardian.
Concerned with the findings, researchers urged authorities and parents to take appropriate action to solve the problem.
"No child should have to miss out on their education because they've had cancer - and it's distressing to hear that some are teased and even bullied on their return to school," Lorraine Clifton, the Charity's chief executive, told BBC.
Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of death among American children. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 12,060 children below 15 years of age will be diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Leukemia, neuroblastoma and bone cancer are some of the common types of cancer found among children.
Bullying is a form of behavior intended to hurt others, physically or mentally. According to the American Psychological Association, about 70 percent of middle and high school students become victims of bullying every year.
Loneliness, sadness, depression, anxiety, health complaints and low academic performance are some of the effects of bullying. Children who are bullied are more likely to miss, skip or drop out of school.
