Teenagers and young adults

If you are a young person who is living with cancer, we have information and support especially for you.

Cancer information for young people

If you are a young person who is living with cancer, we have information and support especially for you.

Our cancer guide for young people answers questions you may have. It includes tips and advice from other young people who are living with cancer.

Information about treatments

We have information about chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. You can also read more about treatments in our information about cancer types.

Information about cancer types

Cancer in teenagers and young adults is quite rare. Most cancers are diagnosed in people over the age of 65.

Certain cancers are more likely to affect teenagers and young adults. We have information about some of these.

Bone cancer

The most common types of bone cancer to affect young people are osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

Brain tumours

A brain tumour is a tumour that start in the brain. These can be cancer or non-cancerous.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia (also spelled leukemia) is a blood cancer. There are different types of leukaemia. We have information for young people diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. There are two main types. These are Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is usually diagnosed early in young people.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The most common types in young people are germ cell tumours.

Soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop from cells in the soft, supporting tissues of the body. Soft tissue includes muscle, cartilage, fat, fibrous tissue, nerves and blood vessels. The types of sarcoma that are most likely to affect young people are:

  • rhabdomyosarcoma
  • synovial sarcoma
  • soft tissue
  • Ewing sarcoma
  • fibrosarcoma.

Testicular cancer

The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. There are two main types of testicular cancer. These are non-seminoma and seminoma.

Thyroid cancer

The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck. There are different types of thyroid cancer. The most common types in young people are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

Getting support

Macmillan is here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can do the following:

  • call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00
  • visit our Diagnosed at a young age forum to talk with people going through the same things, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions. You can access it any time of day or night. Our Online Community is for anyone aged 16 and over who is affected by cancer.

There are also organisations that provide information and support for teenagers and young adults with cancer.

Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT)

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.

Young Lives vs Cancer

Provides clinical, practical and emotional support to help children, teenagers and young people cope with cancer and get the most out of life.

Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer (TYAC)

Provides cancer information for people aged 13 to 24. They fund and support research into teenage and young adult cancers.

Trusted Information Creator - Patient Information Forum
Trusted Information Creator - Patient Information Forum

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