I think I have cancer

You know your body better than anyone, so if you’ve noticed symptoms and you’re worried, it’s always worth getting checked out. Remember that cancer is rare in young people, though.

When your health is on your mind, it’s tempting to ask Google. But if you do that, be careful. There’s a lot of useful information out there, but there’s also plenty of nonsense – and it’s not always easy to spot which is which.

Everyone is different, so only an expert can give you advice based on what’s happening for you. So in this section we’ve included info on where to find support you can rely on, plus details of cancer warning signs and risk factors.

If you are worried about your health, try not to keep it to yourself – talking to friends and family can really help. So can talking to a professional, like your doctor or a nurse at your school, university or a walk-in centre.

Cancer in young people is rare. But it is still very important to be sure. The NHS has made a commitment to offering high-quality cancer care to young people – and that includes diagnosing it quickly and talking to you about what’s going on in a way that you understand.

If you see a doctor or nurse and don’t feel you’re being taken seriously, keep trying. Book another appointment. Take someone with you. See another doctor. And never feel bad about asking to be listened to.