TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
Teach young people the five
commons signs of cancer and
you could help save a life.
Cancer in young people age 13 to 24 is sometimes hard to
diagnose. This is because:
1
2
I t’s rare, with around 2,500 new cases
diagnosed each year.
THE FIVE MOST COMMON
SIGNS OF CANCER ARE:
UNEXPLAINED
(meaning you don’t know what’s causing them), and...
PERSISTENT
(meaning they don’t ever go away)
The signs are very similar to other less
harmful health problems.
This is why it’s vitally important that everyone knows the
five most common signs of cancer in young people so
it can be spotted early if it does occur. Most of the time
these symptoms will be nothing to worry about but it’s
always best to get it checked.
PAIN
(that doesn’t go away with painkillers)
A LUMP, BUMP
OR SWELLING
EXTREME TIREDNESS
(meaning you find it hard to stay awake)
SIGNIFICANT
WEIGHT LOSS
(more than a few pounds)
Empower young people to take control of their health and
help them spot when something changes. Give them the
confidence to be persistent at the doctors if their health
problems aren’t being solved. Help them understand
that healthy lifestyle choices could protect them against
developing cancer in later life.
CONTENTS PAGE
Contact details and guide
2
Real life experiences of cancer
3-8
A glossary of terms 9
CHANGES IN A MOLE
CANCERS COMMONLY
FOUND IN YOUNG
PEOPLE ARE:
1) LYMPHOMA (21%)
2) CARCINOMA (E.G. THYROID) (20%)
3) GERM CELL TUMOURS
(E.G. TESTICULAR, OVARIAN) (15%)
4) BRAIN TUMOURS (14%)
5) MALIGNANT MELANOMA (11%)
6) LEUKAEMIAS (9%)
7) BONE TUMOURS (5%)
8) SOFT TISSUE SARCOMAS (4%)
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
HOW TO USE THIS PACK
We have created some materials to help you teach
students about the 5 five most common signs of
cancer in young people. We know cancer is rare in
this age group but that is why it is important for
young people to know, so it can be spotted early if
it does occur. Most of the time these symptoms will
be nothing to worry about but it’s always best to get
it checked.
You could use our PowerPoint presentation in an
assembly to raise awareness with a year group.
You could use our Education pack with a class or
tutor group to get them talking about cancer and
using the case studies to kick start those discussions.
You could download our posters and put them
up around school to encourage students to find
out more.
CONTACT US:
education@teenagecancertrust.org
We are here to help! You can contact us with any
questions you may have about cancer in young people,
teaching students about the common signs of cancer
or fundraising to support our work. You can also find
out more about our education programme here on our
learning hub www.teenagecancertrust.org/learninghub
FIND US ONLINE
www.teenagecancertrust.org/actionweek
Our website contains lots of information about cancer in
young people, our work, how you can get involved and
Teenage Cancer Action Week.
You’ll find posters, leaflets, a PowerPoint presentation
and this teaching pack, as well as materials based on
young people’s experiences which can be tailored for
the time you have available.
www.facebook.com/TeenageCancerTrust
Twitter: @teenagecancer
Instagram: @teenage_cancer
www.youtube.com/teenagecancertrust
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
SKIN CANCER (OR
MALIGNANT MELANOMA)
Malignant melanoma is the most common cancer in young
women in the UK aged between 15 and 24.
Malignant melanoma usually develops in cells in the
outer layer of the skin. The first signs may be a change
in the normal look or feel of a mole, although malignant
melanoma can also develop in normal-looking skin.
Melanoma is very serious because the cancer can spread
to other organs in the body. This spread is known as
metastasis.
The main cause of melanoma is believed to be overexposure to the sun. Using sunbeds and sunlamps can also
increase your risk of developing melanoma.
The main treatment for malignant melanoma is surgery
to remove the affected area, and this is often all the
treatment most people need. However, sometimes
radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be used.
NATASHA. DIAGNOSED WITH SKIN CANCER
How old were you at diagnosis?
22.
What were you doing?
I was working as a nurse in a small nursery in Worcester.
What was your diagnosis?
Malignant melanoma.
How was it diagnosed?
I had a mole on my left arm. In less than a year I noticed it had grown a considerable amount and I was feeling
really tired so I went to my doctors. The doctor told me there was nothing wrong with the mole and if they were
to take it off it would leave me with a big scar for no reason. A few months later I went to a different doctor with a
chest infection. She saw the mole on my arm and referred me to a dermatologist where I was monitored for three
months. They removed the mole to be on the safe side but a week later I was asked to return to the hospital. They
discovered that it was actually malignant melanoma.
How long did the diagnosis take?
Nearly 9 months.
What treatment did you have?
Emergency surgery.
What are you doing now?
I am now Deputy Manager at a large London based nursery.
What impact has it had on
your life?
The impact on my life has been huge. I am now very VERY cautious in the sun and even wear sun cream every day
(even in December, just a low factor on my face!). I talk about my cancer at every opportunity to raise as much
awareness as I can, as so many people believe that it only effects older people which is just not true.
How do you view your
health now?
The experience has obviously changed the way I feel about the sun and looking after myself. I was never a huge
sun worshipper anyway, however I am now more aware of the danger the sun can cause. I regularly try to raise
awareness of the danger of sunbeds and my friends get sick of me insisting they wear sun cream!
What advice would you give to
other young people?
My two top tips would be- there is no such thing as a healthy tan! If your skin has changed colour at all it is
because it is damaged. If you really must be brown then fake it don’t bake it! Always make sure you protect
your skin at the start of the season as that is when it is most vulnerable!
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
LYMPHOMA
Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer found
in young people. It is a cancer of the lymphatic system,
which is part of your immune system. Clear fluid
called lymph flows through the lymphatic system and
contains infection-fighting white blood cells known
as lymphocytes.
There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s lymphoma
and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, each affecting a different
type of lymphocyte.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the second most common type
of cancer found in young people. It can spread through
the body quickly. However, despite this it’s also one of
the most treatable types of cancer.
Lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy and also
sometimes radiotherapy. Steroids can also be used.
TALIA. DIAGNOSED WITH NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
How old were you at diagnosis?
22.
What were you doing?
I had just returned from a gap year in Australia.
What was your diagnosis?
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
How was it diagnosed?
I had bad pains in my chest and was struggling to breathe so I went to my GP who said I had a chest infection
and was tired after a long flight. I noticed I was losing weight so I returned to the doctor. I eventually went to A&E
and demanded an x-ray which picked up a large mass in my chest.
How long did the diagnosis take?
I went to the doctors four times before going to A&E where my cancer was picked up.
What treatment did you have?
I had chemotherapy and then radiotherapy, but relapsed so needed more chemotherapy and a bone marrow
transplant. I lost my hair, was often sick and my weight fluctuated. I was treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit
and the support I received was amazing. When I was well enough the Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support
Coordinator took me on a few days out and helped me get work experience at Mace, an international consultancy
and construction company.
What are you doing now?
Following my work experience at Mace, I was offered a job there as a Human Resources Administrator. I was so
lucky to have the opportunity to have this placement, which has consequently helped me rebuild my life.
What impact has it had on
your life?
Having cancer affected lots of things in my life, including relationships. It brought me closer to my boyfriend
(now husband). I saw that relationships can become strained when facing cancer and I experienced this through
some of my friendships.
How do you view your
health now?
I am happily in remission, but I worry all the time that it might come back. I catch most bugs going around but as
time goes on I recover quicker.
What advice would you give to
other young people?
Listen to your body, if you are tired, rest and if you are hungry, eat! Every person reacts differently so don’t
compare yourself to anyone.
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
BONE CANCER
Bone cancer (or osteosarcoma) is a tumour that grows
inside a bone. Teenagers and young adults are the
most commonly affected age group, but bone cancer
can occur at any age. It can develop in any bone, but is
usually found in areas where the bone is growing quickly,
like near the ends of the long bones in legs and arms.
The treatment for most bone cancers is chemotherapy
to shrink the tumour and then surgery to remove the
affected part of the bone.
EMILY. DIAGNOSED WITH OSTEOSARCOMA
AND SECONDARY LUNG CANCER.
How old were you at diagnosis?
17.
What were you doing?
I was at East Kent College studying Catering. I was in my second year of the course and really loved it but I had
to drop out soon after the diagnosis.
What was your diagnosis?
Osteosarcoma and secondary lung cancer.
How was it diagnosed?
I was having really bad back pain so I went to my doctor who referred me to a physio, which I attended for six
months. It was whilst I was there that a pain in my right thigh started to develop. The doctors thought it was
muscle tightness but it didn’t get any better so I visited another GP. I was sent immediately for a MRI scan and
ultrasound on my hip and back.
How long did the diagnosis take?
7 months.
What treatment did you have?
I had 6 cycles of chemotherapy and an operation. I have undergone a further 6 cycles of chemotherapy for the
lung tumour.
What are you doing now?
I went back to college in September 2014 to complete the level 3 course in Catering. Although it was tough
juggling treatment and college work, I managed to finish the course in June 2015. Cooking is my passion and
it’s been a huge help to me during my treatment. I’ve also started a blog to share recipes and talk about my
cancer.
What impact has it had on
your life?
It really hit me hard; I’d never really thought about getting cancer, especially at such a young age, I don’t think
anyone could be prepared for it. Obviously it’s a really hard thing to deal with and treatment can be pretty hard
but it really helps to have such great support from my friends, family, my college and Teenage Cancer Trust.
Having such amazing support makes a difference and I think that’s what keeps me the happy, strong individual
that I’d like to think I am. Also I save so much money on shampoo which definitely isn’t bad!
How do you view your
health now?
I was recently re diagnosed with lung cancer and I took it a lot better than my first diagnosis! I know what to
expect from my treatment now which was probably the scariest thing in the first place. I’m coming to the end
of my treatment now and I still often worry about my health but having regular scans and chats with the
doctors always reassures me.
What advice would you give to
other young people?
If you have a persistent pain that just won’t go away then what’s the harm in going to get it checked out?
Chances are it’s nothing, but if it is something then getting it caught sooner rather than later is so important!
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
MALIGNANT BRAIN TUMOUR
A malignant brain tumour is a fast-growing cancer that spreads to other areas of
the brain and spine and can affect people of any age. Generally, brain tumours
are graded from 1 to 4 according to how fast they grow and how likely they are to
spread. A malignant brain tumour will be graded as 3 or 4, whereas grade 1 or 2
tumours are classed as benign or non-cancerous brain tumours.
It’s very important that a malignant brain tumour is treated as soon as possible
because they can spread quickly and damage other parts of the brain and spine.
The tumour is usually operated on and as much of it removed as possible. This may
be followed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
FRANCESCA. BRAIN TUMOUR.
How old were you at diagnosis?
18.
What were you doing?
I was about to take my AS exams.
What was your diagnosis?
Brain tumour and an arachnoid cyst.
How was it diagnosed?
I was suffering from headaches, then one morning I woke up with numbness in my right hand and slurred
speech. I went to my GP, who referred me to my opticians, who then referred me to the eye outpatients at
the local hospital. They admitted me overnight ready for the CT scan in the morning. I was then taken by
ambulance to the neurological hospital where they diagnosed me with a brain tumour and an arachnoid cyst.
How long did the diagnosis take?
I had numerous visits to the GP and it was only when I saw another GP that things started to get picked up.
What treatment did you have?
I had eleven operations (ten between May - July 2009, one in June 2011), six weeks radiotherapy and an IVF
half cycle in 2014. I was advised to have the half cycle of IVF due to where the brain tumour is, near the pituitary gland, which produces and regulates hormones. As I am a young woman, it made sense to have it and
have my eggs frozen just in case, whether or not my fertility was affected by the radiotherapy. The side effects
of the operations were pretty bad. I had headaches, sickness, tiredness, mood swings, double vision and loss
of feeling on the left side of my face.
What are you doing now?
I re-did my final year and graduated in July 2015.
What impact has it had on
your life?
Having cancer definitely affected my relationships, especially with friends and my (now ex) boyfriend.
I also had to leave university for a semester during my final year due to my treatment.
How do you view your
health now?
I view my health as pretty good, I finished treatment last year and I have annual MRI scans. I obviously have
down days, but I just pick myself up and think about the future.
What advice would you give to
other young people?
Trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong, get it checked out and always try and see the positive.
I know that’s difficult, but sometimes it’s the only way to get through something like this.
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
LEUKAEMIA
Leukaemia is cancer of the cells in bone marrow. Bone
marrow is the tissue found inside our bones, and is where
new blood cells are made.
There are several different types of leukaemia, each
affecting a different type of blood cell – usually white
blood cells. The word leukaemia actually comes from
a Greek word which means ‘white blood.’ In this way
leukaemia is similar to lymphoma, which also affects white
blood cells.
Leukaemia can also either be ‘acute’ or ‘chronic’. Acute
leukaemia affects young blood cells and spreads quickly.
Chronic leukaemia affects more mature blood cells
meaning it grows more slowly.
Treatments include chemotherapy sometimes followed
in extreme cases by stem cell (bone marrow) transplants.
To have a bone marrow transplant, total body irradiation
(intense radiotherapy) is also needed to stop the immune
system rejecting the donor marrow.
ROBERT. DIAGNOSED WITH ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA.
How old were you at diagnosis?
20.
What were you doing?
I was looking to join the British Army.
What was your diagnosis?
Acute myeloid leukaemia.
How was it diagnosed?
From a blood test.
How long did the diagnosis take?
I hadn’t been feeling right for about three months, following a bout of tonsillitis. I went to the doctor who diagnosed me pretty quickly. I was told if they had caught the cancer just three days later then there was a chance
I would have had a stroke or died. It was really frightening hearing that but I told myself no matter what, this
wouldn’t beat me.
What treatment did you have?
I had chemotherapy, full body irradiation and a bone marrow transplant. I had graft-versus-host disease after
the transplant, which is pretty common, and means the donor cells had reacted against my own skin. I was
treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit, which was unbelievable. The Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support
Coordinator offered me so much help and to this day is still there for me.
What are you doing now?
I am planning to fundraise for Teenage Cancer Trust this year. During treatment, my taekwondo team and I
raised £5,000. I have since run a half marathon, taken part in a Spartan race and climbed Mount Ben Nevis. I
am also working at my father’s building company and looking to study Construction Management and Quantity
Surveying at university next year and hopefully follow a career in the British army.
What impact has it had on
your life?
I had to pull out of joining the army which was really tough. Having cancer also tested my relationship with my
girlfriend but we worked through it and it made us stronger.
How do you view your
health now?
My health has picked back up and I feel incredibly fit again. I have been selected to represent Anthony Nolan in
the national transplant games, competing in a 5k run, archery and javelin.
If successful, I hope to represent the country at the world transplant games. I also aim to compete and medal in
the Canadian Taekwondo Open in 2016.
What advice would you give to
other young people?
Stay fit, train hard and chase your dreams no matter what they are.
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
GERM CELL CANCERS
(OVARIAN AND
TESTICULAR)
Germ cells are the cells in the body that develop into
sperm and eggs. They are mainly found in the ovaries in
women or testicles in men.
Doctors usually remove germ cell cancers with surgery
and this may be all the treatment that is needed. If there
is a chance of the cancer coming back, chemotherapy
may be needed after surgery. Germ cell tumours generally
respond very well to chemotherapy and most people
are cured. Even cancers that have spread are still very
treatable with chemotherapy.
Treatment for testicular cancer includes removal of the
affected testicle, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
HARRY. DIAGNOSED WITH TESTICULAR CANCER.
How old were you at diagnosis?
20.
What were you doing?
Finishing my Childcare and Education course at college and recording my band’s debut album.
What was your diagnosis?
Testicular cancer.
How was it diagnosed?
I noticed something was wrong with my testicle as it had grown about five times the size of the other one and
was extremely tender. I also started having stomach pains and felt tired all the time, but due to the fear of what
could be wrong with me, it was a number of months before I decided to go to the doctors. I was referred by my
GP to a urology specialist where I had an ultrasound which showed I had a tumour on my right testicle.
How long did the diagnosis take?
It was a few months before I went to the doctors but when I did the diagnosis happened within two weeks.
What treatment did you have?
I had immediate surgery to remove my right testicle, followed by three cycles of chemotherapy and further
surgery on 66 lymph nodes. The doctors said it was the most they’d ever heard of. I was treated on a Teenage
Cancer Trust unit where every single doctor, nurse, health care assistant, youth support coordinator, receptionist,
were all so caring and gave me and the other patients there so much support.
What are you doing now?
I have now finished treatment, and have been clear of cancer for two years. I ran the Brighton Marathon in
April for Teenage Cancer Trust, which was a very emotional and challenging experience for me. I also work in a
hospital and I’m going to be training to become a primary school teacher soon.
What impact has it had on
your life?
My social life, physical appearance, mental health and confidence were deeply affected by cancer. I couldn’t even
pop to the shops because of how bad I felt inside and out. I am also in a band but I was unfortunately unable to
play the drums during treatment as I was too ill and weak, which was really hard. However listening to my music
is what got me through - the heavier the music, the better I could cope. Beating cancer has made me stronger
willed and determined to help raise money and awareness of this awful illness. Teenage Cancer Trust have been
a massive part of my journey through cancer and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me. I think about how
lucky I am every day.
How do you view your
health now?
I view my health as the most important thing in my life now. I was generally quite uninformed about cancer and
what devastation it could cause but I was still incredibly foolish by being so dismissive of my symptoms and
thinking that my college work was more important at the time. I shouldn’t have left it for so long and I am so
grateful to still be here and have so much more knowledge and awareness of how essential it is to take care of
your body and to not take any chances whatsoever.
What advice would you give to
other young people?
I urge you all to go and see your GP if you have any worries or notice any unexplained changes in your body.
Don't be afraid to show any part of your body to a doctor. They see people naked on a daily basis so it honestly
won't bother them at all when they see you with your trousers round your ankles!
TAKE
N
O
I
T
C
A
GLOSSARY
BENIGN usually refers to a tumor and means that
the cells are not spreading and that it is not malignant.
CANCER (NOUN) is a class of disease in which
a group of cells display uncontrolled growth through
division beyond normal limits. This invasion intrudes
upon and destroys nearby tissues and sometimes spreads
to other locations in the body via lymph or blood.
Adjective - cancerous.
In other words... cancer is when ‘abnormal’ cells are
formed in the body and harm normal cells. These
‘abnormal’ cells multiply quicker than normal cells and
spread. When ‘abnormal’ cells clump together, this is
called a tumour.
CHEMOTHERAPY is a course of anti-cancer drugs
which kill cancer cells, or stops them from multiplying.
There are over 50 different types of anti-cancer drugs,
which are given depending on the type of cancer. Usually
the course of chemotherapy is given in ‘cycles.’ A cycle
is a period of treatment followed by a rest. The rest from
treatment allows your body to recover from any sideeffects. There are lots of side-effects from chemotherapy
and these can be very unpleasant and can include damage
to fertility. However, most of the side effects are shortterm and will gradually disappear once the treatment
stops. Chemotherapy drugs attack all fast multiplying
cells in the body. This is why a common side effect of
chemotherapy is hair loss, because hair follicles contain
fast multiplying cells.
MALIGNANT usually refers to a tumour and means that
the tumor cells have a tendency to metastasize, or spread
to other parts of the body. If left untreated, this can be
life threatening.
METASTASIS is the spread of cancer cells from one
organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread
through the bloodstream or the lymph system.
RADIOTHERAPY is the use of high energy x-rays
and similar rays (such as electrons) to treat disease.
Radiotherapy destroys cancer cells in the area that’s
treated. Radiotherapy itself is painless, but it has a few
common side effects. These can vary, depending on which
part of your body is being treated. For example, if you
have an affected lymph node in your throat, radiotherapy
can lead to a sore throat. Other common side effects
include tiredness, nausea, skin reactions, vomiting, dry
mouth and loss of appetite.
REMISSION This means that no cancer cells have
been found through examinations or tests. Doctors say
‘remission’ instead of cure because they cannot always be
sure that all cancer cells are gone or will not come back.
Generally, the longer the remission, the less likely it is that
the cancer will return. Five years in remission is often used
as a benchmark to signify being cured from cancer.
STEROIDS can be used to help destroy cancer cells and
make chemotherapy more effective. Steroids are naturally
produced in the body by the adrenal glands (small glands
above the kidneys) and help control many different
functions in our bodies such as the way we use fats,
proteins and carbohydrates. They regulate our immune
system and the balance of salt and water in our bodies.
They also help reduce inflammation. Side effects can
include an increase in appetite and changes in mood.
TERMINAL CANCER means that the cancer can’t
be cured and the patient die from their disease.
TUMOUR is a swelling of a part of the body, usually
without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of
tissue which is either benign or cancerous.