Throughout the month of April, we’ve proudly been part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month (TYACAM).
Around 2,300 young people aged 15-24 are diagnosed with cancer each year, having to face the huge impacts of treatment at a time when they should be finding their independence, spending time with friends and learning new things.
During TYACAM we joined forces with 22 charities to make sure that young people’s voices are heard and ensuring that they receive the specialist cancer care they need and deserve.
This year’s theme is ‘giving young people a voice’, so throughout April we’ve been hearing from young people themselves, who’ve shared their stories, experiences and the challenges they’ve faced while navigating cancer throughout adolescence.
We heard from…
Finlay
Finlay was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2024 and is now receiving maintenance treatment after undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and completing a difficult clinical trial.
“In maintenance I have been able to return to doing things that I did before my diagnosis – riding my bike, going out with my friends and going to a few parties. Life is not the same as it was before, but I am beginning to enjoy doing ‘normal’ things again.
Throughout all this, Candlelighters have been there for the good days and the bad. Candlelighters help me and my family get through the days of what feels like endless hospital appointments. They are always so positive and can make the days a little bit easier.”
“If I had to give some advice for someone who has got cancer it would be:
- Don’t take life for granted
- Always look at the positives
- Keep smiling, keep laughing!”
Sophie
In September 2024, Sophie returned to hospital and discovered that her cancer had returned. It was a difficult time for Sophie and her family knowing what lay ahead. Early on, Sophie met Chelsey, our Youth Support Worker and over time the pair developed a strong bond.
Chelsey was by Sophie’s side throughout and worked with the multidisciplinary team to support Sophie with physiotherapy, dieticians, and nurses in advocating for Sophie’s wants and needs.
A special memory for the duo was celebrating their one-year ‘friendiversary’ – commemorated with a party in Sophie’s room with music, dancing, and decorations!
Now turning 19, and finished with hospital stays, Sophie is always happy to catch up with Chelsey when in clinic.
Rio
In September 2024, Rio was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with the Philadelphia chromosome.
Rio says, “I’ve had countless blood tests and around 15 blood transfusions. I was scared, overwhelmed, and at times very low.”
“My hair started to fall out, but because I had braids, it became badly knotted. In the end, my mum had to shave it off but I still had a bit left. I missed a lot of school, friends’ birthdays, and even my first concert.”
“But things have started to improve.”
“Now I’m on maintenance treatment [and] my treatment is due to finish on 9th September 2026, exactly two years after my diagnosis. I can’t wait for that day.”
During TYACAM, we also hosted a Teenage and Young Adult focus group, alongside Teenage Cancer Trust, creating a space for young adults to explore the good and the bad of their experiences in healthcare, as well as what they’d like to see from age-specific services, like our Youth Support Worker. Groups like these not only provide invaluable feedback but ultimately help to shape the future of services for more young patients.
Thank you so much to Finlay, Sophie and Rio and everyone who’s contributed, for sharing their stories, and being so open about their experiences, showing exactly why it’s vital that young people get the care and support that they deserve.
