Cancer Center for Teens
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Blood
Find out about the mysterious, life-sustaining fluid called blood.
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Bones, Muscles, and Joints
Our bones, muscles, and joints form our musculoskeletal system and enable us to do everyday physical activities.
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Digestive System
Most people think digestion begins when you first put food in your mouth. But the digestive process actually starts even before the food hits your taste buds.
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Endocrine System
The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. It is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, metabolism, and sexual function, among other things.
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Eyes
Although your eyes are small, their structure is incredibly complex. Find out how they work in this body basics article.
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Genes and Genetics
Genes play an important role in how we look and act, and even in whether we get sick. This article gives the lowdown on genes, genetic disorders, and new research into gene therapy.
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Immune System
The immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that defend people against germs and microorganisms.
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Kidneys and Urinary Tract
The kidneys perform several functions that are essential to health, the most important of which are to filter blood and produce urine.
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Lungs and Respiratory System
Each day you breathe about 20,000 times. Find out more about the lungs and breathing process.
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Metabolism
Your body gets the energy it needs from food through a process called metabolism. Get all the facts on metabolism in this article.
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Mouth and Teeth
Did you know that your mouth is the first step in the body's digestive process? Or that the mouth and teeth are essential for speech? Learn about the many roles your mouth and teeth play.
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Skin, Hair, and Nails
Our skin protects the network of tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and everything else inside our bodies. Hair and nails are actually modified types of skin.
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Spleen and Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.
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Your Heart & Circulatory System
The heart and circulatory system (also called the cardiovascular system) make up the network that delivers blood to the body's tissues.
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Anemia
Anemia is when the number of red blood cells in the body gets too low. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin (pronounced: HEE-muh-glow-bin), a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough of them, oxygen doesn't get to the body's organs. Without enough oxygen, the organs can't work nor
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Cancer Basics
Get the basics on cancer and cancer treatments in this article.
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Dealing With Cancer
It's unusual for teens to have cancer, but it can happen. The good news is that most will survive and return to their everyday lives. Learn about how to cope if you or someone you know has cancer.
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Melanoma
Melanoma is different from other skin cancers because it can spread if it's not caught early. Find out how to lower your risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.
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My Friend Has Cancer. How Can I Help?
It's hard to know how to respond when someone you love — someone your own age — is diagnosed with cancer. Here are some thoughts on dealing with feelings and helping your friend.
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Smoking
Smoking is on the decline, but some people are still lighting up. Why? The answer is addiction. Find out more in this article for teens.
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Why Am I in Such a Bad Mood?
Because of all the changes taking place in your life, you may feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Find out more about bad moods and why you have them.
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Refilling a Prescription
Tips and advice for teens on refilling a prescription.
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Stem Cell Transplants
Stem cells can develop into cells with different skills, so they're useful in treating diseases like cancer.
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Steroids and Cancer Treatment
If your doctor prescribed steroids as part of your treatment for an illness, don't worry. It's not the illegal, doping scandal kind of steroid. Get the details in this article for teens.
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What's It Like to Have Surgery?
Knowing what to expect with surgery before you get to the hospital can make you less anxious about your surgical experience - and less stress helps a person recover faster.
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Can I Have Children After Cancer Treatments?
When chemotherapy and other treatments attack cancer cells, they can affect some of the body's healthy cells too. As a teen, you'll want to know what this can mean to your fertility.
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Cancer: Readjusting to Home and School
If you've just finished a long hospital stay, you may have questions about reconnecting with friends and family. Get answers in this article for teens.
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Dealing With Anger
Do you wonder why you fly off the handle so easily sometimes? Do you wish you knew healthier ways to express yourself when you're steamed? Check out this article for help with dealing with anger.
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Dealing With Cancer
It's unusual for teens to have cancer, but it can happen. The good news is that most will survive and return to their everyday lives. Learn about how to cope if you or someone you know has cancer.
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Fears and Phobias
Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. Get the facts about fears and phobias and what causes them.
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Motivation and the Power of Not Giving Up
Everyone struggles with staying motivated and reaching their goals. Just look at how many people diet, lose weight, and then gain it back again. But it's still possible to stay motivated if you take the right approach.
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My Friend Has Cancer. How Can I Help?
It's hard to know how to respond when someone you love — someone your own age — is diagnosed with cancer. Here are some thoughts on dealing with feelings and helping your friend.
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Why Am I in Such a Bad Mood?
Because of all the changes taking place in your life, you may feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Find out more about bad moods and why you have them.
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Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
This test measures the speed at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of an upright glass test tube. Find out why doctors do it and what's involved for teens.
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Medical Tests: What to Expect (Video)
Need to get a blood test? An MRI? These videos show what happens in 10 of the most common medical tests.
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Cancer: Readjusting to Home and School
If you've just finished a long hospital stay, you may have questions about reconnecting with friends and family. Get answers in this article for teens.
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Words to Know (Cancer Glossary)
Check out our cancer glossary for lots of easy-to-read definitions.