Talking to health professionals
Think you have cancer?
If you think you might have cancer there is a lot of information here that may answer your questions.
You know yourself better than anyone, and if you've noticed a change in your body or something is worrying you, it’s worth talking to someone and getting yourself checked out.
If you feel that you cannot go and see someone about your concerns, then you could talk to your parents or someone you're close to and let them know you are worried and you can go and see your doctor together.
On the other hand, if you wanted to go and see a doctor on your own, you can do this too - doctors will take your concerns seriously.
The following are some of the common signs and symptoms of cancer in young people. Please remember that cancer in young people is very rare and it could be that the symptoms you may be experiencing are due to an ordinary every day illness. In any case, if you have any of these, it's important to talk to someone and make an appointment to see your doctor - just to be sure.
- An unexplained lump or swelling anywhere in the body
- Any bleeding or bruising that isn’t normal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain that either gets worse or doesn‘t get better
- Very bad headaches
- Very bad and unexplained tiredness (fatigue)
- Changes in the size, shape and colour of a mole on your skin
- A cough, sore throat or a hoarse voice that won’t go away
- A change in bowel habits
Preparing to see your doctor
If you are worried about your health and plan to go and see your doctor, running through these questions in advance may help you feel better prepared.
Thinking this information through beforehand will also mean you can provide useful information for your doctor. You can even print off a copy of the form and give it to your doctor when you see them.
Think-you-have-cancer.pdf (54 kb)
Who to speak to?
Thinking you might have cancer is tough but it’s really important to remember that you don’t need to go through it on your own.More about Who to speak to?
Find Your Sense of Tumour
This conference gives young people who have had cancer a chance to share their experiences with people their own age who've had similar experiences.
More
Jimmyteens.tv
Young people share their experiences through video diaries, short films, music and animation. Also check out regular broadcasts, Find Your Sense of Tumour footage and more...
More
Medikidz comic books
Medikidz is the world's first medical education provider exclusively for young people. Check out the range of comic books about Leukaemia, Brain Tumours and more...
More
