Cancer in young people is rare, but it happens. Let’s take action and find out more...

FACTS ABOUT CANCER IN YOUNG PEOPLE

• Around seven young people in the UK between the ages of 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day.

• Cancer in young people is rare, with only 0.6% of all cancers occurring in 15-24 year olds.

• It can be difficult to diagnose and the signs can sometimes be missed. That’s why it’s important to learn the signs of cancer and get to know our bodies so we can spot if something changes.

COMMON CANCERS IN YOUNG PEOPLE

1. Lymphoma 21%

2. Carcinomas (ovarian, thyroid, cervix or bowel) 20%

3. Germ cell tumours (testicular cancer and others) 15%

4. Brain tumours 14%

5. Skin cancer 11%

6. Leukaemia 9%

7. Bone cancer 5%

THE FIVE COMMON SIGNS OF CANCER IN YOUNG PEOPLE ARE

PERSISTENTmeaning they are always there or always come back.

UNEXPLAINED meaning you don’t know the cause.

If you experience any of the signs of cancer in this presentation it does not mean you have cancer. It just means you need to take responsibility and speak to a doctor. Don’t ignore it.

We all have lumps and bumps that we don’t know about. Get to know your body, and if you do find a lump or bump that you are worried about, speak to a doctor. It’s probably nothing to worry about… but we need to check.

We all have pain from time to time. This could be caused by all sorts of things like accidents, injuries or playing sport.

However, if you don’t know the cause of the pain, and it isn’t going away or always comes back, speak to a doctor and get it checked out.

We all change weight naturally throughout our lives. However, if you lose quite a lot of weight suddenly and cannot explain why, speak to a doctor. It is probably nothing to worry about, but it’s best to check.

We get tired for lots of reasons, mainly because we pack so much in and don’t get enough sleep.

However, if you are always extremely tired and have trouble staying awake during the day, then you should speak to a doctor.

We all have moles and marks on our skin. If you notice a change in the shape, size or colour, of a mole, speak to a doctor. Also keep an eye on spots or sores that don’t heal.

By looking after your skin in the sun, you’re protecting yourself against skin cancer and wrinkles!

Remember! The common signs of cancer in young people are PERSISTENT and UNEXPLAINED:

1. LUMP, BUMP OR SWELLING

2. PAIN

3. SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT LOSS

4. EXTREME TIREDNESS

5. CHANGES IN THE SHAPE, COLOUR AND SIZE OF A MOLE

KNOW YOUR BODY AND SPEAK UP IF YOU ARE WORRIED.

• You are the expert of your own body! Know your body and be ready to spot if something changes.

• If you are worried about your health, speak to your parents and a doctor – they will want to help you.

• Don’t be scared to keep on going back to the doctors if you don’t feel the issue is solved. This is some times part of the process.

• Remember no body knows how you feel better than you!

Don’t be scared to talk about cancer or your health!

Speak to your friends and family about what you’ve learnt today and let’s get everyone talking about it.

You can find out more at

www.teenagecancertrust.org

www.facebook.com/teenagecancertrust

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