Cancers in teenagers and young adults is quite rare. Most cancers are diagnosed in people who are over the age of 65 years. There are certain cancers which are more likely to affect teenagers and young adults. These can include; bone cancer, brain tumour, leukaemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, testicular cancer and thyroid cancer.
When cancer is diagnosed in young people, their case will be discussed at a specialist multidisciplinary team meeting and they will be treated at a designated centre of their choice appropriate to their diagnosis. Every young person diagnosed with cancer should be offered the opportunity to be treated at a facility that specialises in cancers in teenagers and young adults.
There are a number of organisations within the UK that provide information and support for teenagers and young adults with cancer, including:
Teenagers & Young Adults Macmillan Cancer Support
A cancer guide for young people answering questions about types of cancer, tests and scans and treatment. It also includes tips and advice for other young people living with cancer.
Offers information and support for people aged 13 to 24. They build cancer units for teenagers and young adults in hospitals, and organise support and information services for patients, their families, schools and health professionals.
Teenagers and Young People with Cancer
Provides cancer information for people aged 13 to 24. They fund and support research into teenage and young adult cancers.
Young Lives vs Cancer is a charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.
Funding Research and providing support for teenagers and young adults with cancer
