This month, we’re proud to be part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month (TYACAM). TYACAM is all about helping young adults to advocate for better cancer care and support as they navigate their teenage years alongside a cancer diagnosis.
While your teenage years are a time for growing, finding your independence and shaping your future, a cancer diagnosis can turn everything upside down. A cancer diagnosis can be especially difficult for teenagers – they may be more aware of the seriousness of their illness, treatments and what they’re missing out on, like school and time with friends – so having the right care is crucial.
Chelsey, our Youth Support Worker, supports young people aged 13-18 with a cancer diagnosis, and her role is all about helping teenagers find a bit of normality on the ward. Chelsey caught up with The Children & Young People’s Cancer Assocation (CCLG) and shared a bit more about what her day-to-day looks like…
What does your role involve?
“I work with 13–18-year-olds on the teenage haematology and oncology ward, helping them to be teenagers, not just patients.
Every day is different; sometimes we’re doing arts and crafts or having a games night, and sometimes it’s simply me sitting with them while they talk about school, friendships, fears, or how treatment is affecting them. I’m not medical, so I never have to deliver bad news, which helps them feel like they have a safe space. I try to give them control over what we do, because so much of their lives feels out of their hands.
I also link them up with physios, dieticians, talking therapy, and other teams to make sure they’re getting the support they need. Whether it’s creating routines or just being there to chat, my goal is to help them feel like themselves and keep a bit of normal teenage life alive, even in hospital.”
How do you help children and young people with issues with body image and appearance?
“When it comes to body image, I never force the conversation, it has to come from them. I make space for it, but they choose when they’re ready to talk. When they do, I let them feel whatever they’re feeling: anger, fear, embarrassment, all of it is valid. I remind them that their body will keep changing throughout treatment, and while it might not go back to exactly how it was, this stage is temporary.
They have full ownership over the conversation, and I’m there to support, not to lead. I also signpost them to things that can help… wigs, skincare workshops, talking therapy, and other services that make them feel a bit more like themselves. My role is simply to be a safe space where they can open up when they choose.”
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
“Definitely helping Candlelighters run our first Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month! We created a space for young people to share their stories and advocate for themselves and seeing them feel proud and relieved to have their voices heard was incredible.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
“There are two things. The first is seeing young people regain a sense of normality, whatever that looks like for them. Being able to witness their progress, the moments when they feel more like themselves again, is incredibly rewarding.
And the second is seeing a young person advocate for themselves. I love watching them ask questions, understand their treatment, and take ownership of what’s happening to their body. It gives them back a bit of control and really strengthens their relationship with the medical team too.”
What is most challenging?
“Seeing how much this all affects their mental health. Watching their lives get put on pause, seeing their confidence dip, or hearing the intrusive thoughts they’re struggling with, it’s tough. When they lose motivation or break down, you feel it with them. Those moments are the biggest challenge of the job.”
What does your job mean to you?
“It’s hard to put into words. This job feels like a calling, I genuinely feel like I was meant to do it. Knowing I can make even a small difference in a young person’s life is what keeps me going. Every day I get to stand beside them, support them, and be part of their world during such a difficult time. It means everything to me.”
“Do you have a message for children, young people and their families affected by cancer?
For young people: advocate for yourself. Ask questions. Speak up. And remember, you have cancer, but it’s not who you are. You’re still you, with your own personality and identity. Cancer is just something you’re dealing with, not something that defines you.
For families: don’t be afraid to talk about what’s going on. Connecting with other families can make a huge difference. And be honest with your child, they can usually sense when something’s being kept from them, and honesty helps them feel included and supported.”
How can families find out about accessing support?
“From a Candlelighters perspective, families can access our free talking therapy at any point in their journey. If they ever feel they need emotional support, they can just reach out to any of the team and we’ll help get them connected.
For families outside Yorkshire, there are lots of ways to find support too. You can check local charities, speak to your GP, social worker, clinical nurse specialist, or consultant, they’ll know what services are available nearby and can point you in the right direction.
The main thing is don’t let anything hold you back from getting the support you need!”
