I am 15-year-old who has had cancer. Can I lead a "normal" life?

Many young people who have survived cancer have concerns about their future. These concerns may change over time. The good news is that most cancer survivors marry, have children, build careers, and enjoy the normal satisfactions of life.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers these guidelines to childhood cancer survivors:

• Continue to get yearly checkups throughout your lifetime. Cancer treatment leads to health problems many years later. Your doctor can watch for heart disease, thyroid disease, cataracts, kidney disease, and osteoporosis. Checkups also can help find any new tumors.

• Choose your doctors carefully when you switch from pediatric to adult care. Find out if they have experience in following and treating long-term survivors of childhood cancers. Many doctors do not.

• If you want to join a cancer survivors' group, look for one that is made up of other young adults. Young people often have different issues and concerns than older survivors.

• As you move from living at home to living on your own, your cancer experience may make it difficult for your parents to accept your independence. If necessary, consider family counseling.

• Young adult survivors seeking a first job are not legally required to mention their health history unless an employer asks. Anti-discrimination laws forbid employers from basing hiring decisions on a person's "disability."

• Many young adult survivors enjoy a fulfilling sexual life. However, if you have concerns about your sexuality or fertility, seek professional counseling.

For more information about surviving cancer, obtain a free copy of NCI's "Facing Forward" booklet by calling the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

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