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Feelings and perception
"Cancer doesn't care how old you are"
Fear, denial, anxiety: talking about it is also a way of taking care of yourself.
Cancer in young people is real. Catching it early can change everything.
Most cases can be treated. Getting informed and feeling comfortable seeking medical advice are the best ways to take care of yourself.
With the support of
Why it matters
At 15, 20, or 30, almost no one thinks about cancer. But it can happen.
100,000
children, girls, and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year in Latin America and the Caribbean.
90%
of young people believe cancer can be caught early, yet 1 in 4 doesn't recognize its warning signs.
Source: #ChequeoAYA regional survey, 202571%
have a family member or close friend who has gone through the disease: the topic is closer to them than it seems, even if it’s rarely talked about.
Source: #ChequeoAYA regional survey, 2025
The campaign
3 videos that talk about cancer without beating around the bush.
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Prevention · Cervical cancer
"Getting checked also means getting vaccinated"
HPV is preventable with a free vaccine across much of Latin America.
03
Early diagnosis · Testicular cancer
"Cancer doesn't look at your age. But self-exams can catch a change"
Knowing your own body helps you spot a lump, pain, or change in size.
When to see a doctor
It's worth seeing a doctor if you notice:
- Lumps that don't go away
- Changes in the testicles or breasts
- Unusual bleeding
- Extreme fatigue with no clear cause
- Persistent bone pain
- Headaches that don't improve, along with frequent vomiting
- Something changed in your body and hasn't gone back to normal
💬 If you're ever in doubt, it's best to see a doctor. Asking is never overreacting.
It's not overreacting. It's taking care of yourself
Talking to someone you trust is already a first step
You don't need to be sure to seek medical advice. Sharing your concern with a trusted adult, a family member, or a healthcare team is a good place to start.
How to prevent it
There are things you can do today to take care of yourself.
HPV vaccine
- Prevents several types of cancer, including cervical cancer
- It's safe and doesn't hurt
- It's for both men and women
- It's free in many countries in the region
Habits that protect your health
- Don't smoke cigarettes or vape
- Cut down on alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Get to know your own body
Types of cancer
Some cancers are more common at this stage of life:
Affect blood cells or the lymphatic system; they're among the most common in adolescents and young adults, and tend to respond well to treatment when caught early.
One of the most common cancers in young men aged 15 to 35; regular self-exams help detect it early.
Starts in the thyroid gland, located in the neck; it's more common in young women and usually has a high cure rate when diagnosed early.
Caused in most cases by human papillomavirus (HPV); it's highly preventable through vaccination and regular checkups.
Although less common, they can cause symptoms like persistent headaches, changes in vision, or seizures that should be checked out right away.
You're not alone
Cancer in adolescents is treatable and can be cured. Getting care at specialized centers improves the chances of a good outcome.
How is it treated?
The treatments used in adolescents and young adults are the same everywhere in the world.
01
Surgery
The medical team removes the tumor.
02
Chemotherapy
Special medications that destroy cancer cells.
03
Radiation therapy
Rays targeted specifically at the tumor site.
These are sometimes combined. Every tumor calls for a different treatment, and specialized healthcare teams review each case to decide on the best path forward.
Rights
At every step, you have the right to:
Receive clear, honest information
Take part in decisions about your own treatment
Receive psychological and emotional support
Keep studying or working, with support
Choose who comes with you to appointments
Talk about fertility and sexuality with professionals
About the campaign
A Latin American initiative to talk about cancer in young people.
#CheckUpAYA aims to raise awareness about cancer in adolescents and young adults across Latin America through digital content and technological tools that support early recognition of warning signs and access to medical care. The project combines social research, audiovisual production, digital communication, and artificial intelligence, backed by the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP), and led by an interdisciplinary team with experience in pediatric oncology, public health, communications, and technology.
Supported by
