Could language development be hindered after childhood cancer?

Yes!: A number of factors can influence this: the type of cancer, the age at diagnosis, the length and intensity of therapy, specific side effects of therapy (treatment with platinum-containing chemo and/or radiation to the head can damage hearing, leading to language delay). This is a good topic to discuss with the child's oncologist.

Delay with cancer: Depending on the type of cancer a child has and what treatment he/she requires, delay in development (language, emotional, physical) can occur. Language delay can be caused by a variety of mechanisms, from impaired hearing from chemotherapy treatment, to delay caused by brain radiation. Since there are so many causes, it is essential for a child to get evaluated early to get the help they need.

The field of: Pediatric neuropsychology really burgeoned when advances in chemotherapy improved survival in childhood cancers. "neuropsych" testing is ideal because it measures not only cognition & achievement, but also processing, memory, attention & executive functions (the "ceo" of the brain). Post-chemotherapy, a child qualifies for an individualized educational plan under public law idea age 3 & up.