Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Overview  

This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 9/09

Cancer in teens is rare. Doctors are learning that cancer in teens is different than cancer in adults and may require different treatment. This section explains what cancer is and what types of cancer are more common for teens.

What is cancer?

  • Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases.

  • Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass called a tumor

  • Cancer can begin almost anywhere in the body

  • A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign tumor may grow, but it does not spread and usually is not life threatening. A malignant tumor grows and can spread to other tissues in the body.

In the United States, most teens that have cancer are treated at a pediatric oncology center, where they have access to the latest treatments. This is especially true for teens who have a brain tumor, lymphoma, leukemia, or a bone tumor. Sometimes, teens with cancers that occur more frequently in adults, such as melanoma, testicular cancer, and ovarian cancer are treated in the same way adults are. In these situations, it is important that teens also have support programs designed specifically for their age group.

Some of the more common cancer types affecting teenagers are listed below:

Cancer.Net provides information on more than 120 types of cancer and cancer-related syndromes, including sections on symptoms (things you feel that are not normal), diagnosis (determining the type of cancer), and treatment.

More Information

Learning About Cancer

Cancer in Teens: Dealing with Cancer

Cancer in Teens: Treatment Information

Additional Resources

Teens Health: Types of Cancer Teens Get

Teens Living With Cancer: What the Heck is Cancer?