Scientists noted that cancer presents unique challenges to young patients and their extended circle of family and friends. For one thing, cancer treatments can trigger health problems down the road and can threaten the ability of young cancer survivors to have children of their own.

The cancer society suggested young people should learn how to minimize their risks of developing cancer as well as how to spot it if it does occur. That includes getting Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer, reducing unsafe exposure to sunlight and UV rays emitted by tanning beds, and maintaining healthy habits like exercising, a good diet and not smoking.

As for the population as a whole, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that 171,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year, up 4,600 from last year. And it is estimated that 75,300 people in the country would die from cancer in 2009, up 1,500 from2008.

Cancer survival rates have improved among Canadians of all ages as well as among younger adults. The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with cancer between 2002 and 2004 is 62 percent, up 4.5 percent from a decade earlier.

-- Click for more news in Tech Max >>

Editor:Yang Jie