What do I need to know?

You may have lots of questions about life after treatment such as education, travel insurance, employment and fertility. We hope that these information sections will help to answer many of the questions you have on surviving cancer as a child, teenager or young adult.

Education and jobs

All young adults are entitled to continue into higher education after leaving school, regardless of previous ill health, provided you can satisfy the qualification standards.

Equal opportunities

Everyone in the UK has rights to protect against discrimination. You have rights to protect you from discrimination. These rights covers areas including employment, education and dealing with police.

Life insurance and mortgages

Cancer survivors are sometimes refused insurance cover, or are only offered cover under special conditions. This may involve paying a higher premium. The type of treatment you had and how long ago it was may affect the decisions.

Travel and vaccinations

While travelling is fine for most people who have had childhood cancer, there may be some issues to think about beforehand.

Fertility and sexual function

Most survivors of childhood cancer can expect to have a normal sex life. Cancer treatment can affect fertility but this will depend on the type of treatment you had.

Lifestyle and keeping healthy

By being aware of potential health risks, you have the chance to possibly reduce their impact by changing your lifestyle such as ensuring you eat healthily, take regular exercise and reduce stress levels.

Feelings and emotions

New feelings can emerge after treatment has finished as you come to terms with your experience. The emotional shock of having cancer can stay with you for a long time.


Information in this section is from our Living Beyond Cancer booklet and Late Effects factsheets. Reviewed by the CCLG Late Effects Group, a national network of experts who specialise in looking after young cancer survivors, in conjunction with the CCLG Information Advisory Group comprising survivors, parents and multiprofessional experts in the field of childhood cancer. 

Reviewed: September 2022
Next review due: September 2025