Every April, charities across the UK come together for Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month – led by Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group – to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by young people diagnosed with cancer, and to ensure their voices are heard.
This year’s theme, “Giving young people a voice”, is especially powerful. Teenagers and young adults with cancer often fall between the gaps in services designed for either children or older adults, despite facing their own distinct emotional, social and medical challenges.
At the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, we believe that listening to young people, truly hearing their experiences, is one of the most important ways we can support them.
The reality for teenagers and young people
Around 2,300 young people aged 15–24 in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year. At a stage in life that should be filled with independence, friendships and new opportunities, a diagnosis can turn everything upside down.
Teenagers and young people may find themselves missing out on school, college, social events or simply time spent with friends. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, anger or fear are incredibly common and completely valid.
Living with cancer at this age can feel overwhelming and it’s easy to feel like no one else truly understands what you’re going through.
But no young person should feel alone in that experience.
Breaking isolation through connection
One of the most powerful ways to support young people facing cancer is through connection – knowing that someone else has been there, understands, and is willing to share their story.
At the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, we recognise how important it is to create safe spaces where young people feel heard and supported. That’s why we’ve developed resources to help those navigating these difficult emotions, including our guide on living with cancer and coping with loneliness and isolation.
These resources offer practical advice and reassurance for young people, as well as guidance for families, siblings, friends and teachers, because support doesn’t just involve the individual, but everyone around them.
Most importantly, it reminds young people that what they are feeling is normal and that reaching out, however difficult, can make a real difference.
Giving young people a voice through podcasting
This year’s theme of giving young people a voice is at the heart of our podcast, Young me vs the big C.
The podcast is a safe digital space for individuals affected by childhood cancer to share their stories and experiences, helping others better understand the cancer journey and feel supported along the way.
By hearing directly from young people and families, listeners gain an honest, unfiltered insight into life with cancer – the challenges, the emotions and the moments of strength and resilience.
For those going through a similar experience, these conversations can be incredibly powerful. They offer reassurance, connection and a reminder that they are not alone.
New episodes are coming soon, including our next episode featuring Ewan, who will be sharing his story.
You can subscribe to Young me vs the big C on all major platforms to hear these important voices and help us continue sharing these stories. Whether they help you, or you want to share them with someone who might find comfort and support, subscribing means you won’t miss any new episodes.
We are always looking to amplify more voices and experiences. If you’re interested in being part of Young me vs the big C, please get in touch with the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust team – your story could make a real difference to someone else.
How you can support this month
Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month is not only about listening, but it’s also about taking action.
One of the most powerful ways you can support young people this April is by helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. Teenagers and young adults are often overlooked when it comes to cancer awareness, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.
By taking a few moments to learn what to look for and sharing that knowledge with others, you can play an important role in helping young people get the care they need sooner.
Early detection can make a significant difference. By spreading awareness, supporting others to speak up, and encouraging people to trust their instincts, we can help ensure more young people are diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
We’re here for you
At the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, we understand that a cancer diagnosis affects every part of a young person’s life – not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.
Whether you are a young person facing cancer, a parent, sibling, friend or teacher, you are not alone. If you need support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Listening, Learning, Supporting
Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of listening – really listening – to young people and their experiences.
By creating spaces where their voices can be heard whether through conversation, resources or platforms like our podcast, we can help reduce isolation, build understanding and ensure no young person feels alone.
Together, we can continue to raise awareness, support one another and give young people the voice they deserve.
Author
Sarah Tarry
