By: Jaqueline Casillas, M.D., medical director, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

About 5,000 adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Cancers in adolescents are those that are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 19.

Adolescents are at an increased risk compared to children or older adults to be diagnosed with certain cancers. The most common cancers among adolescents are:

  • Lymphoma
  • Leukemia
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Brain and spinal cord tumors
  • Testicular cancer
  • Bone cancer (including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma)
  • Soft tissue tumors (sarcomas) including rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Melanoma skin cancer
  • Ovarian cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms

Many signs and symptoms of cancer may pass unrecognized and can include:

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Bruises easily
  • Eye or vision changes
  • Frequent headaches, that cause vomiting
  • New mole or spot on the skin (note changes in size, shape or color)
  • Ongoing pain in one part of the body
  • Lump or swelling in the neck, belly, testicle or elsewhere
  • Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
  • Unexplained, ongoing fever or illness
  • Unplanned weight loss

Make sure your child has regular check-ups and watch for any unusual and persistent signs or symptoms. Your child’s doctor can work with you to assess their risk by reviewing family medical history, physical examinations or screenings.

Unique Treatment, for One-of-a-Kind Patients  

Understanding that teens need unique care is a cornerstone of the Teen & Young Adult Program at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute. The Teen & Young Adult Program serves patients between the ages of 13 – 21-years-old.

Teens and young adults yearn for independence, but cancer forces them to be more dependent on their parents and care team. These age groups have critical needs, not only for medical treatment, but also for educational, emotional, physical and support. These are ways the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute provides support to teens:

  • Teen Lounge: a hangout space designed with teens in mind located on the hematology/oncology unit.
  • School Reintegration Program: Returning to school after beating cancer can be tough. We help adolescents with one-on-one support for a smooth, safe and supportive transition for patients.
  • Support Groups Just for Teens: W.A.V.E.S. “We Are Very Extraordinary Superstars” is for kids ages 7 to 13; and L.O.T.U.S. “Loving Our Truly Unique Selves” dedicated just for teens ages 14 and older. These are more than support groups for patients, this is a supportive environment that encourages fun and relationship building with other kids affected by cancer.
  • Survivorship: About 700 childhood cancer survivors are admitted to the Survivors’ Treatment Assessment and Resource (S.T.A.R.) Program each year. Our S.T.A.R. Program helps patients, who are no longer undergoing treatment, understand and manage the late effects of cancer treatments. Patients receive regular assessments and have access to services, treatment and community resources.

For more information about Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, visit millerchildrens.org/Cancer or call 1.800.MEMORIAL.