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After treatment and remission

Teenagers

Adolescence is a time of change in itself, and leukaemia adds extra challenges. This topic is for teenagers and their parents: independence, friends, appearance, risky behaviour, emotions and moving to adult care.

Last updated: ~3 min read
Headphones on a window seat.
Figure 1.A teenager’s own space.

01Short answer

For a teenager, friends, independence and being able to “be yourself” matter a great deal. Treatment can take these away for a while: time away from school and friends, changes in appearance (hair loss, weight change) and renewed dependence on parents. After treatment, some teenagers feel “different” from their peers, while others return to life with fresh enthusiasm. The NCI identifies adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as a group with particular needs. What helps: involve teenagers in decisions about their health — let them talk with the doctor themselves, ask questions and learn to manage their own medicines. Staying in touch with friends — messages, meeting up, doing things together — matters for emotional health. Talk openly about changes in appearance; they are often temporary. Risky behaviour: smoking, vaping, alcohol and drugs are especially harmful to organs after treatment (topic “Facts about tobacco and alcohol”); sun protection, safer sex and vaccinations matter too. Emotions: anger, sadness, anxiety or feeling alone are normal, but if they last, it is important to see a psychologist (topic “Traumatic memories”). Questions about fertility may come up at this age (topic “Fertility after childhood treatment”). Finally, as 18 approaches, the move from children’s to adult services is planned: the teenager should know their treatment summary (topic “A long-term guide for the family”) and follow-up plan.

02Simple explanation

Friends and independence matter to teenagers.

Involve teenagers in decisions.

Risky behaviour is especially harmful.

Lasting sadness: see a psychologist.

The move to adult care is planned.

03Scientific explanation

AYA: the NCI notes that patients aged 15–39 have distinct medical, emotional and social needs that call for specific support.

Teen health: MedlinePlus stresses emotional health, avoiding risky behaviour and sleep during adolescence.

Late effects: the NCI PDQ describes late effects that show up in adolescence — growth, hormones and learning.

Transition: the COG and ACS recommend a planned move from children’s to adult services and keeping a treatment summary.

04What happens in the body?

Why is it especially hard?

Time away from friends, changes in appearance and renewed dependence clash with a teenager’s needs.

Your own voice

Talk with your doctor yourself, ask questions and learn to manage your medicines. It is your health.

Friends

Messages, meeting up, doing things together. You choose how much to share.

A phone with a glowing screen on a bed.
Figure 2.Staying in touch with friends.

Risky behaviour

Smoking, vaping, alcohol and drugs do extra harm to the heart, lungs and liver. Protect yourself from the sun.

Moving to adult care

Know your treatment summary and follow-up plan. Plan the move gradually, together with your team.

Two ship’s wheels of light side by side.
Figure 3.Handing over responsibility for health.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Adolescence and health

Steps.

Voice — Your own voice.1VoiceYour own voice.
Friends — Staying close to friends.2FriendsStaying close to friends.
Responsibility — Owning your health.3ResponsibilityOwning your health.
Transition — Moving to adult care.4TransitionMoving to adult care.
IndependenceThe teenager takes part in decisions.
FriendsSocial life recovers.
TransitionA smooth move to adult services.

06Health skills for teenagers (simplified)

SkillExample
Talking with the doctorAsking questions yourself
MedicinesManaging them yourself
Treatment summaryKnowing it and keeping it
AppointmentsRemembering them yourself
Asking for helpKnowing who to turn to

* These skills can be learned gradually, with parents’ support.

07Key terms

AYA
Adolescents and young adults.
Transition
Moving from children’s to adult services.
Treatment summary
A written overview of the treatment received.
Vape
An electronic cigarette.
Independence
Making your own decisions.
Late effect
A problem that appears years later.

08Key points

  • Speak up about your health.
  • Keep in touch with friends.
  • Avoid risky behaviour.
  • Don’t hide your feelings.
  • Know your treatment summary.
  • Plan the move to adult care.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I tell my friends?

You choose how much to share.

Will my hair grow back?

Most often yes; ask your doctor.

Is a little alcohol OK?

Talk openly with your doctor; there are risks (topic “Facts about tobacco and alcohol”).

Who can I talk to?

Your doctor, a psychologist or an adult you trust.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I tell my friends?

  2. Will my hair grow back?

  3. Is a little alcohol OK?

  4. Who can I talk to?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Teen Health
  3. National Cancer Institute. Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer (PDQ®)
  4. Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  5. American Cancer Society. Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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