Tips and advice from young people with cancer

We are seeing an increasing number of people with cancer under the age of 50 seeking support in our centres.

To raise awareness, people with cancer from across our 24 centres who are under 50 have shared their advice, support, and what they wish they knew before, to help others in similar situations.

You can also read their full stories here

Cancer lessons from under 50s

• “Although you will be a different or stronger person than pre-diagnosis, you are not defined by a diagnosis. You can still be healthy, fun, attractive, interesting, normal.” Tom
• “Cancer is the rollercoaster ride nobody wants or should ever have to get on. When the highs occur, embrace them and, when the lows hit, reach out to whoever you need to at that difficult time. You are not alone – remember that.” Gemma
• “You may not be able to do exactly what you were doing before, but anything you do now is an achievement.” Aurora
• “Find your escape – find something that you can positively absorb yourself into that is not cancer related, or find your cancer tribe who understand and who you don’t have to mask in front of.” Sally
• “Don’t look things up online - it only makes things worse! Have your bad days, have your good days, ride the rollercoaster, comfort each other when you are in the depths of despair and celebrate with each other when you are able to.” Ross G
• “If you have a gut feeling, you must go with it. You must advocate for yourself, even though this can be awkward and hard. Don’t back down if you feel something is wrong.” Hannah
• “Cancer is a personal experience, and it’s your choice how you want to handle it. You can tell everyone or no-one. You have to make sure you do what feels right for you.” Imogen
• “I’ve been very intentional in trying to say yes to things that make memories. I want my family’s memories of me being one of me smiling and being there in the moment.” Ross A
• “Those around you, even your nearest and dearest, have good intentions, but they need direction on how to support you. They are definitely not mind-readers! Be clear about what you need, want, would appreciate, and that those things may change day-to-day.” Lizzi
• “Make plans. Remember you are a person first and foremost, so don’t lose sight of what makes you happy. It’s easy to be absorbed by the diagnosis but by taking time to enjoy things, no matter how small, will help when times are difficult.” Claire
• “Many people expected me to be all good again as soon as chemotherapy finished, but so much of the recovery and healing still remained. This was when I needed someone the most. Aftercare should be prioritised as well as the treatment itself.” Roisin
• “Let’s all talk about cancer. You can’t upset me more than I already am, nor stress me out: I’m already thinking about it all the time! I’ll appreciate your willingness to listen, and when I don’t want to talk about it, I’ll let you know.” Karl
• “It’s okay not to feel okay about having cancer. Use resources like Maggie’s, as it makes you feel like you are not alone.”Kerry

Last review: Sep 2024 | Next review: Sep 2027