Young people and cancer

Many of the common symptoms of cancer are also symptoms of other, often less-serious illnesses. But being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer is important, as it can help with earlier diagnosis and treatment.

It is devastating to hear that you have cancer and you will have many different feelings and emotions. Learning about your cancer and what to expect during treatment and beyond can be a helpful way of coping with what's happening to you.

Having cancer will affect all areas of your life. This section has information about coping with everyday life during your cancer treatment.

This section is about how cancer and its treatment can affect your fertility. It is for teenagers and young people who need information about this before, during or after cancer treatment. It may also help carers, family members and friends.

This information is about cancer, sex and relationships. It is for teenagers and young people who are having or have had cancer treatment. It may also help carers, family members and friends.

Getting back to ‘normal’ after cancer treatment ends isn’t always easy. You might find that your relationships with people around you have changed, or your plans for the future look quite different.

Other family members such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles or other close family relatives often have reactions similar to those of parents and may struggle to deal with some of the same emotions.

Doctors may use unfamiliar words that you don’t understand. Here are some of the most common ones explained (alphabetically).

There are a wide range of charities and other organisations providing a variety of information, services and support for children and young people with cancer, and their families.