It's vital that we help young people to learn what it's like to live with cancer and to talk about cancer openly

Peter Cardy, Macmillan Cancer Relief

Nineteen percent correctly identified leukaemia as a type of cancer affecting young people.

But almost the same percentage thought lung and skin cancers - diseases more common in adults - would affect them.

Only 10% were aware that young people are at risk of developing brain tumours - the second most common form of cancer among young people.

A total of 437 young people aged between 10 and 17 were questioned for the Mori poll and a further six focus groups were conducted with youngsters aged 11 to 16.

Boys unaware

Participants from across the UK were questioned between December 2001 and February this year.

Of the boys interviewed, only 9% thought they should be worried about testicular cancer - which can affect males from the age of 15 years. It is the most common form of cancer found in young men.

Girls are more likely to ask questions about cancer

Macmillan says if detected early - usually by self examination - testicular cancer has a 90% cure rate.

In general, girls were more likely to seek out information on cancer and follow up their questions.

Those interviewed also said they would not feel confident to check themselves for signs of cancer and would prefer to rely on a doctor.

'Encouraging'

This week the charity launches Cancer Talk - a package of teaching materials for primary and secondary schools, aimed at raising awareness among young people.

The charity hopes it will expel the myths and reduce the fears and stigma surrounding the disease.

You should encourage them to ask questions and talk about their worries

Martin Ledwick, nurse

Peter Cardy, the charity's chief executive, said: "It's vital that we help young people to learn what it's like to live with cancer and to talk about cancer openly."

The initiative has been welcomed by Cancer Bacup, which provides information on cancer for patients and their families.

The charity produces a booklet called What Do I Tell The Children? aimed at parents and carers to help them discuss the disease with young people.

Martin Ledwick, a senior nurse specialist for the charity, said: "We advise people when they talk to children about cancer in the family to be as honest as possible - otherwise they tend to imagine things are worse than they are."