Ages 15–39
Young adults & cancer
Cancer is much less common in your teens, 20s, and 30s than later in life, which can make a diagnosis feel isolating. Adolescents and young adults also face a distinct mix of challenges — fertility, dating, school and career, money, and body image — often all at once. These plain-language guides are written with that in mind.
Everything here is general education. Your care team is the right source for decisions about your situation — and it is always worth asking whether your center has a program for young adults with cancer.
- What makes cancer different as a young adultAn overview of the distinct challenges for ages 15–39.
- Fertility: options before treatmentWhy timing matters and what options exist to protect fertility.
- Dating, relationships, and intimacyWhen and how to tell someone, and adjusting together.
- School and careerAdjustments, leave, and protecting your future while you focus on treatment.
- Cancer and moneyFinancial strain, and where young adults can find help.
- Body image and identityAdjusting to changes and rebuilding confidence.
More that may help
If you are newly diagnosed, start with the just-diagnosed guide. For practical and emotional support, the Support & Assistance Finder lists peer mentors, financial help, and more, and survivorship covers life after treatment.