Cancer is common in older people, often manifesting in patients over 50.
A study by the Cancer Research UK reveals 89 out of 100 people diagnosed with cancer will be 50 years old and up, 10 will be within the 25-49 range, and only one will be 24 years old or under.
In a bid to fully understand this disease, figuring out the people who are at risk of getting it, oncologists from a leading healthcare institution in the Philippines share which types of cancer commonly affect teenagers.
Leukemia
“Leukemia is the most common cancer among children under 15,” reveals Ma. Ysabel Lesaca-Medina, MD of Makati Medical Center’s Section of Oncology. “It’s a cancer that has several types, but in young people, the most common forms are acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.”
Some of the most common symptoms of this cancer that affect the blood cells include fatigue, bruising easily, breathlessness, and pain in the joints and bones.
Brain cancer
Following leukemia as the most common cancer among young individuals, Dr. Lesaca-Medina says patients with brain cancer complain of headaches, especially in the morning. She adds that they also tend to report vomiting, nausea, seizures, and problems in sight, balance, speech, and hearing.
“Parents should also look out for unusual mood swings and behavioral changes,” she says. “Drowsiness and a shift in their energy levels should also be a cause for concern.”
Lymphoma
Dr. Lesaca-Medina says the two main types of this cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, can both manifest in very young patients.
“We can usually tell a child has Hodgkin lymphoma when they exhibit swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, weight loss, and fever,” she explains, adding, “Those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually complain about breathing difficulty and swollen lymph nodes.”
Thyroid cancer
“Papillary thyroid cancer occurs often in teens. It can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck and the lungs,” explains Dr. Lesaca-Medina. She says symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer include feeling a lump or swelling in the neck, problems with breathing and swallowing, and hoarseness in the voice.
“The silver lining here is that treatment for thyroid cancer has a high success rate, so people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help as early as possible,” she emphasizes.
Ovarian cancer
Teenage girls are at risk of getting ovarian cancer whose symptoms are similar to those of menstruation’s. Dr. Lesaca-Medina, however, notes that those symptoms—pain, swelling, or lump in the abdomen—can happen even if a person does not have their period.
“Teenage girls with ovarian cancer will also go through puberty earlier than usual, and have painful menstrual periods. They also tend to miss some of their periods,” she adds.
Testicular cancer
Teenage boys are at higher risk for testicular cancer if they have a father or brother who have been diagnosed with it, according to Dr. Lesaca-Medina.
“Boys with testicular cancer will go through puberty early, feel a painless lump in the testicles, or show enlarged breasts that can feel tender. An ultrasound, physical exam, or blood test are usually some of the things doctors will do to diagnose this cancer.”
Melanoma
Sunlight exposure, unusual moles, and health history of the child can increase the risk of melanoma.
Dr. Lesaca-Medina says the first sign of skin cancer is usually a new spot on the skin or even in other pigmented tissues like the eye or intestines, or a change in the appearance of an existing mole. “These moles will change shape or color, have irregular edges or borders, and even excrete fluids,” she adds.
Bone and soft tissue cancer
The oncologist says, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, the most common forms of bone cancer, are highly prevalent in young adults.
“Patients with osteosarcoma will feel swelling over their bones, often accompanied by joint pain. They can easily break their bones than normal people,” exlpains Dr. Lesaca-Medina. “On the other hand, people with Ewing sarcoma will feel a painful lump in the arms, legs, chest, back, or pelvis. This lump may feel soft and warm. Patients will also get fever and break their bones for no discernible reason.”
MakatiMed encourages parents to schedule an appointment with a doctor if they or their children are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms. Call (02) 8888-8999 or email [email protected].