This register-based cohort study investigated the effect of childhood cancer on upper secondary education attainment in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. 7629 long-term survivors (diagnosed aged 0–14 years in 1971–2005) were compared to matched population comparisons and siblings. While 80% of survivors attained upper secondary education by age 25, compared to 84% in comparison groups, elevated odds ratios for non-attainment were mainly observed in survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Other risk factors included longer hospital stays and psychiatric hospital contacts in early adulthood. Delays in education were common across all cancer types.

Hanna Mogensen, Giorgio Tettamanti, Line Elmerdahl Frederiksen, Mats Talbäck, Juho Härkonen, Karin Modig, Camilla Pedersen, Anja Krøyer, Elli Hirvonen, Anniina Kyrönlahti, Mats Heyman, Anna Sällfors Holmqvist, Henrik Hasle, Laura Madanat-Harjuoja, Nea Malila, Jeanette Falck Winther, Friederike Erdmann, Maria Feychting