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Having cancer during the teenage years implies in more than the changes that occur in the biopsychosocial development of this moment in life, but the elaboration of the diagnostic itself and the changes in the subjects routines. This paper intends to describe the initial moments of living with cancer from a qualitative research perspective. Open interviews were had with cancer patients between 12 and 16 years of age about the process of the ailment. An analysis of the narratives point to the following theme categories: emergence of the disease, discovered of the diagnosis and post-diagnostic feelings. The descriptions around the initial path with cancer were described in detail and have shown to be a complex and defining moment for the patient as well as for the patient's family. The data signal the necessity of the professionals to offer a listening differentiated beyond psychological support for one better understanding of this new condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]