Cancer in teenagers is quite a rare occurrence, and the survival rate is high. There are a few ‘more likely’ cancers that can befall a teen. Brain tumours like astrocytomas, ependymonas or gliomas are one. Ewing’s Sarcoma – a type of bone cancer in the leg or pelvis is another. Leukaemia can be put in two groups – acute lymphocytic leukaemia (very curable), and acute myelogenous leukaemia. Lymphoma (cancer in nodes) are categorised under either Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (similar to leukaemia). Kidney tumours also seem to strike the young. Neuroblastoma (cancer of nerve cells) is found under small children, and osteosarcoma will be more likely strike taller teenage boys. Retinoblastoma (cancer in the eye) and rhabdomyosarcomas (in the muscles) are found in babies, children and teenagers. Then there is testicular cancer that appears in younger males more so than in the older.

If you often feel extra ‘under-the-weather’ than your friends, you have to speak up. Although it is normal for teenagers to sleep a lot, just check with your palls if they experience the same. Growing pains are one thing, but constant pain in your legs or arms are not normal. Always feeling fatigued or experiencing muscle weakness for no reason is not a composition found in teens either. If you get headaches often, it might not be stress related! And as you know, teenagers EAT. Any absence of appetite must be mentioned.

When diagnosed with cancer, you might experience various reactions from people. Your mother, father, sibling/s or close family members might fret around you like you’re a newborn. That is understandable, as they are scared and care for you tremendously. They could even do the opposite, and ‘ignore’ the issue. It is NOT that they don’t care. They subconsciously just don’t want to ‘upset’ you further. As for friends, it can be a different story, so be prepared! True close friends will stick to you like glue. Those are the ones who always phone, never leave your side, start a fundraising, organise a party for you, bring you your schoolwork and do various things to cheer you up. Expect one or two friends to be like this. More is an absolute blessing! People battle to understand the seriousness of a cancer battle. (Do they think it’s contagious??) They just don’t know what to say to you, or how to react towards you. Let them be. Then you’ll experience medical staff. It must be said that 95% of them are the kindest, friendliest, most sympathetic people you’ll ever meet. There might always be the one (or two) very serious academics that do their job exceptionally well, but unfortunately without the desired bedside manners. Their lingo might also be a touch too dramatic for you. You are free to ask them to explain themselves better! Their drab office or consulting room is also not the end of the world. Funk-up your own room more to make up for it!

The other issues directly linked to chemotherapy and cancer, like mouth sores, nausea, dry skin or weight loss is something your oncologist can help you with. These side effects are of a passing stage, and not to get you too down. See to it that you eat as healthy as possible – treating yourself only once a week to something ‘sinful’. Unfortunately there are no guarantees for you not to get any of these side effects, so just try to bear with it. If you experience feelings that might get described by a dictionary as ‘depression’ – once again, speak up. You do not have to suffer that dread as well. It is normal to have fears, self-pity, anger and confusion. Get help as soon as you start feeling down!

Seeing that ‘hair’ is a serious issue in any teenagers life, your greatest horror is probably the loss of it. Do not fear! TIP: Before your hair seriously starts falling out - cut it in an outrageous hairstyle you've always admired. Then it is time to mimic that ‘weird eccentric’ you’ve always admired. Become a headgear fashion icon. Page through any fashion, entertainment or music magazine - those artists featured and photographed in them are true individuals. They will wear anything on their heads: berets, snoods, turbans, earflap hats, bandanas, scarves, baseball caps, beanies – you name it!! Not to mention the good-old-fashioned hat! There are so many styles of hats to choose from - enough to make your balding head spin. Incorporate your choice of headgear with a fresh new fashion look. You will most probably end up being the envy of many!! And remember: Your hair WILL grow back!