Youth Out Loud, Healthwatch Kingston and Kingston Hospital have worked together to bring together information and guidance to raise awareness of cancer among young people, as part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month 2025.
What is cancer and what are the signs of cancer?
The NHS describe cancer as a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably destroying healthy tissue, including organs.
There are lots of different signs and symptoms of cancer, and cancer symptoms in young people are often very similar to other illnesses. Having symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but it’s important to get checked out if you have any of the below:
- Lumps and swellings
- Unexplained tiredness
- Persistent pain
- Mole changes
- Unexplained weight change
What do people get wrong about cancer?
When it comes to childhood cancer, misinformation can be harmful. Many myths and misconceptions surround cancer in children and young people, leading to unnecessary fear and confusion.
‘Despite a wealth of research, much uncertainty remains over what causes cancer in children.’ – Children with Cancer, Charity
There are some decisions you can make to reduce your risk long term, but these rarely cause cancer in children and young people:
- The Macmillan website has more information on long-term risk
- The Children with Cancer website has information on childhood cancer
It’s important to remember that cancer is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. There are also differences between cancer in young people and adults, such as causes, treatments, and numbers of people with cancer.
For more information on the differences between cancer in adults and young people, you can visit the following websites:
Cancer treatment can impact various aspects of life, including sex and intimacy. To find out more, you can visit Macmillan, or to read a young person’s story, you can visit here.
How can I get help?
There is plenty of help and information available if you are worried about cancer. Speaking to your GP is the gateway to more support if it is needed. When you call, or go online to make an appointment with your GP, be honest about what you are concerned about and your symptoms.
There is a ‘two-week cancer pathway ’, meaning that after an appointment with your doctor, if needed, they will refer you for an assessment, and the NHS aim to do this quickly. This referral does not mean you have cancer; it means they are investigating the possibility of cancer.
Support is also available from the Youth Worker at Kingston and Richmond Hospital. Nicholas offers individual support to young people aged 11 – 18 with issues such as appointment anxiety and linking patients and their families with support services. More information about the youth worker service is available on the Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust website.
What should I expect from cancer treatment?
There are different ways to treat cancer, and the team at the hospital who are supporting you will work with you on the best option and answer any questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to talk to them if there’s something you don’t understand, or would like more information about.
Cancer treatment often targets cancer cells and shrinks or destroys them, or stops their growth. Cancer treatment can be really tough, and you should talk to your team at the hospital about ways to manage the side effects of treatment.
Some treatments for cancer can cause short-term side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, weight changes, brain fog, vomiting, mood changes and more. This may cause anxiety and lead to young people feeling very self-conscious.
The effects of cancer treatment can vary between different people, and more information on the short and long-term effects can be found on the Children with Cancer website.
What should I do if someone I care about is diagnosed with cancer?
It can be tricky to know what to say or do when someone you care about has cancer. There are tips on the Teenage Cancer Trust website, from young people about what to do as a friend, such as:
- Speak to your friend the same way you always did,
- Be there to listen – not solve problems,
- Admit you are not sure what to say
The Macmillan website has a page with information on supporting a family member with cancer. The page has tips on handling the stress, such as talking about your worries, along with advice on what to do if you become a young carer.
Where can I find information as a parent, guardian, or educator?
Cancer Research UK have more information for parents about the signs and symptoms of cancer in children on their website.
The Know Your Body website has age-appropriate lesson plans and information for young people, parents and educators. Their lesson plan and video on HPV are directed toward Year 6 and Year 7 students.
For more information, visit:
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