Ten short modules, twenty flashcards, and an interactive quiz — evidence-based content built for ages 13–18.
Learning objective
Understand what cancer is, how benign and malignant tumors differ, and what metastasis means.
Lesson
Cancer is a large group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow beyond normal controls. Many cancers form solid tumors, while blood cancers such as leukemia usually do not. Malignant cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to distant organs.
Learning objective
Recognize that cancer can occur in young people and understand age-appropriate support needs.
Lesson
Cancer is uncommon in teens compared with older adults, but it does occur. NCI defines AYAs as ages 15–39. Young patients may have distinct needs — school, independence, relationships, fertility, emotional health.
Learning objective
Distinguish a risk factor from certainty and identify evidence-based prevention behaviors.
Lesson
A risk factor changes probability; it does not guarantee cancer. Some risks are modifiable (tobacco, alcohol, UV, some infections). Others (age, inherited variants) cannot be changed. Prevention lowers risk but cannot reduce it to zero.
Learning objective
Understand why tobacco, vaping, and alcohol matter for cancer prevention.
Lesson
No tobacco product is safe for youth. Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens; e-cigarette aerosol can contain nicotine, cancer-causing chemicals, metals, and fine particles. Alcohol is a known cause of several cancers; risk generally rises as consumption increases.
Learning objective
Learn how selected infections increase cancer risk and how vaccines prevent some infection-related cancers.
Lesson
Most infections do not cause cancer, but persistent infection with selected agents can contribute. High-risk HPV causes several cancers; hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer; H. pylori raises risk of certain stomach cancers. Vaccination prevents infection — it does not treat existing cancer.
Learning objective
Identify UV, ionizing radiation, radon, and practical exposure-reduction steps.
Lesson
UV from sun and tanning devices can damage DNA and cause skin cancer. Ionizing radiation can damage DNA, but medically necessary imaging can provide benefits that outweigh small risks. Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas linked to lung cancer — testing is the only way to know.
Learning objective
Understand that symptoms are not diagnoses and recognize persistent changes that deserve evaluation.
Lesson
Most possible cancer symptoms are caused by other conditions. But persistent or unexplained changes — a growing lump, unusual bleeding, prolonged cough, severe lasting fatigue, unexplained weight change, or persistent fever — should be evaluated. Screening checks people without symptoms and applies to specific age and risk groups.
Learning objective
Understand biopsy, pathology, stage, grade, and biomarker roles.
Lesson
Diagnosis may include history, exam, labs, imaging, and biopsy. A pathology report often provides the definitive diagnosis. Stage describes disease extent; grade describes microscopic appearance. Biomarkers may classify cancer, guide treatment, or monitor response — but many cannot diagnose cancer alone.
Learning objective
Recognize major treatment types and understand clinical-trial safeguards.
Lesson
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or stem-cell transplantation. Many receive combinations. Clinical trials test new approaches. Participation is voluntary and requires informed consent; placebos are rarely used alone when effective standard treatment exists.
Learning objective
Evaluate misinformation and understand support, fertility, late effects, and follow-up care.
Lesson
Cancer misinformation can delay effective care. Sugar does not selectively feed only cancer cells; biopsies do not usually cause spread; natural does not mean safe. Young people may need emotional and fertility support. Some treatment effects appear months or years later — survivors need follow-up care.