Ruth Foreman was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma half-way through her studies.
The Bolton student divided her time between the classroom and receiving treatment at the Christie hospital in Manchester.
Ruth, 18, of Westhoughton, was given her shock diagnosis at the start of last year's summer holidays.
She decided to return to classes at Runshaw College in Chorley at the same time as beginning a course of chemotherapy at the Christie.
Her family, including younger brother Stephen, 17, who is also at the college, and parents Peter and Claire, cancelled a holiday to Peru.
Ruth, a keen musician and a member of the Bolton Music Service orchestra, said: "Doctors had a biopsy done and told me it was cancer. The worst thing was that we had to cancel a two-week holiday to Peru which we were really looking forward to.
"I went as a day patient every Thursday to have my chemo and then was so exhausted I needed the Friday and the weekend to recover.
"Because my treatment was every two weeks, I was missing two days out of 10.
Tutors
"It meant I had to cram more work into the week, but my tutors were really good, with extra tutorials and notes when I had to miss classes. I feel healthy and I can go out like anyone else. I'm glad I was able to do the exams because it gave me something to take my mind off the treatment."
Ruth eventually finished her treatment in April and was able to take her exams at the college.
And despite her turbulent year, she managed a set of great results with a B grade for maths, B for music and a C for English A-level.
Ruth, who is now considering business courses at university, was treated at a special ward at the Christie hospital established by the Teenager Cancer Trust charity to treat young cancer patients aged 16 to 25.
The hospital's Lorraine Case, who helped Ruth complete her studies, said: "Ruth has worked especially hard to stay in education. A few people do manage to do this, but it is very difficult because of the intensity of the treatment.
"We do encourage people to try to keep a normal life as it helps them focus on something beyond their illness and means they don't feel left behind."
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Great good news for once "Well done"
Indeed! Well done Ruth. Good luck and stay well.
Congratulations to Ruth on her A level results, you are a very determined young lady. It must have been very difficult coping with your illness alone, you are a fine example and your parents and family must be so very, very proud of you. I wish you well for the future.
Mrs Angela Mccrakan (Bury)