Cancer
Learning HubThis learning hub will help you prepare for what to expect during cancer diagnosis and treatment. You will also learn about some of the challenges you might face during treatment, and what you can expect when treatment is complete.
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About cancer
Have you ever asked yourself why you have cancer or how cancer works? It's important to remember that cancer is not your fault and happens entirely by chance. In this section you will learn about different types of cancer, what causes cancer in young people, and the differences between healthy cells and cancer cells.
- What is cancer?
- What causes cancer?
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Types of cancer in young people
- How will my cancer affect me now?
Diagnosing cancer
Cancer diagnosis can be a long process. Learn more about the process doctors use to diagnose cancer, the different tests you might have during diagnosis and treatment, and ways to help you cope whne you find out you have cancer.
- Diagnosing cancer
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Diagnostics tests
- Coping with cancer diagnosis
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Tests during cancer treatment
Cancer medications
It is important to know about cancer medications and how they will affect your body and your life. Find out how cancer medications work, how they are taken, what the possible side effects are, and how to cope with going to school and travelling while on chemotherapy.
Cancer treatment and support therapies
In addition to chemotherapy and medications, there are many different treatments for cancer. Learn about consent, the different types of treatments and therapies for cancer, and the side effects you may experience with each one.
- Treatment and support therapies
- Consent
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Radiation therapy
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Surgery and cancer
- Bone marrow transplant
- Complementary and alternative therapies
The health-care team
You will see many different health-care professionals throughout your cancer treatment. This section will help you understand the role each person plays in your health care and how they can help you.
Communication and cancer
Many teens find communication to be a challenge, especially when going through something as big as cancer. Discover how you can become a better communicator, and improve communication with your health-care team, friends, family and others.
- Communication and cancer
- Becoming a better communicator
- Talking with your health-care team
- Making the most of your clinic visit
- Taking part in decisions
- Talking to your friends about cancer
- Maintaining relationships during cancer treatment
- Keeping in contact with school
- Talking to your employer
- Communicating online
Managing your symptoms
Cancer and its treatments can take a toll on your body and cause a range of symptoms. Learn how to cope with the various symptoms and treatment side effects you may experience.
Managing stress and emotions
Stress, worry and anxiety are normal emotions that you may experience throughout cancer treatment. Luckily there are ways to manage them. Find out how to manage stress and anxiety and deal with changes to your self-image.
Relaxation and distraction
Relaxation and distraction techniques can help you prepare for stressful events and cope with difficult tests, treatments and procedures. Learn how you can use these techniques throughout your cancer treatment.
Self-monitoring and supports
In this section, find out how to stick to your treatment plan, why and how to self-monitor for symptoms and side effects when on treatment, and the importance of self-monitoring for late effects when treatment is finished.
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On treatment
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Off treatment
- Resources and support groups
Your lifestyle
You can’t always control your cancer, but you can control the choices you make in your everyday life. This section covers many different ways to help you develop healthy lifestyle behaviours in the areas of nutrition, sexuality, exercise, and mental health.
After cancer
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Making the transition to adult health care
- Monitoring in the future
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Higher education
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Employment
- Managing your finances
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Current research
- Resources