TEENS & CANCER
Important Information for Teens with Cancer
Its hard enough being a teenager, but also having a disease like cancer is really tough. How can you be like all your teenage friends when you are dealing with cancer? There is so much to juggle with school, sports, dating, friends, parties and doctors, but it is possible. You can be a regular kid too, you just need to be aware of some things. Your parents and your doctor are important people in your life, and they are there to help you get through your life challenges.
This information was put together to help answer some of the questions that you might have, but are afraid to ask. All these items are addressed from a lay person’s point of view and you may want to discuss them with your doctor and your parents if you can.
When you are in treatment for cancer, it is important to know the impact of certain things with your body. Each person has a cancer treatment which is specific to that person, so it is good to discuss things with your own physician directly, as it pertains to you. As a teen, you face pressures daily about smoking cigarettes, alcohol and drug use, sexual activity and being “in”, just to name a few. When you are a teen with cancer, all these issues are more important because of the impact on you while you are in treatment.
Smoking Cigarettes
If you are a cigarette smoker and in treatment, the chemicals in cigarettes can interact with certain medications. Your lungs are very sensitive from chemo and/or radiation treatments, so cigarette smoke can cause even more damage than normal. Discuss your smoking habits with your doctor, and ask for help. Quitting smoking is tough, but you can do it. There may event be programs you can join which will help you quit.Alcohol
The legal drinking age is 21. What happens if you have abeer or two while you are on treatment with chemo or radiation? Beer and alcohol are depressants and can interact with some of your medications. Be sure to ask your doctor or nurse if you are taking any medicines which are not to be mixed with alcohol. Your tolerance may be very different than you think.What if you get drunk? Drinking too much alcohol can have a number of negative effects on you. Be sure not to drink and drive. If you have a violent reaction, go directly to the emergency room for medical treatment.
Smoking Marijuana
If you are on chemo, your friends may tell you to smoke pot because it helps your nausea. Can it hurt you? Marijuana is an illegal substance which is not regulated in its preparation. Without control of the content of marijuana bought on the street, there is a chance of fungus getting into your lungs and causing major complications. Ask your physician about using the prescription-type marijuana pill, or other options for controlling nausea. There are many new effective drugs which can help.Other Drugs
It is vitally important that your doctor know any substance you may be using other than the prescribed medications including herbs or vitamins in your treatment plans.Sexual Activities
If you are a sexually active teen and you have cancer, what happens? Can cancer be sexually transmitted? Can you have children? There are many questions you may have about sex, cancer and your future ability to have children. As hard as it is to do, ask your physician or nurse these questions, because the medical information your doctor has can be most important. If your immune system is compromised in any way, you could be even more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections.Tattoos and Piercings
If you already have tattoos, they should not add any extra risk to your disease or treatment.If you have piercings, your doctor may ask you to let them grow back, depending on where they are located, because of the risk of infection.
Getting new piercings or tattoos while in treatment is unwise because they may cause complications due to the risk of infections. Your immune system may not be able to fight off certain germs to which you may be exposed during the piercing or tattooing process.
Being Normal
Living with cancer is a difficult thing, but not impossible. Just like everyone else, some days are better than others. It is important for you to have a friend or family member that you can talk to and get support from when you need it. It may be hard for your friends to be there for you all the time. You are facing a challenge that may be too scary for them – and that could scare them away. There will be others who will not be afraid and who will visit you in the hospital or even make clinic visits with you. If you talk to your friends about your illness and treatment, they may not be as scared. It is important for you to have fun, have friends and lead your life as normally as possible. Your cance is only a part of your life.Taking good care of yourself during this time is a way of enhancing your quality of life and could speed your recovery. If you can, eat healthy foods, get lots of rest and enjoy life as much as possible.
Confidentiality
You will need to check the age of majority, when you can make your own decisions. If you are under that age, your conversations with your health care providers and your medical records may be available to your parents. There are lots of variables here, so be sure to ask your social worker, nurse or doctor if you are concerned about confidentiality. Every effort should be made to respect your wishes, so be sure to ask for yourself. Talk to your parents if you can. This is a tough time for them, too, and they want to help you and to be there for you whenever needed.Resources for Teens
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
Look Good...Feel Better for Teens
Teens Living with Cancer Welcome Kits
Reading for Teens with Cancer
