Charities team up to launch first Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month

Teenage Cancer Trust is teaming up with 15 other charities supporting young people with cancer across the UK for the first Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month this April.  

Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words “you have cancer”. They will each need specialised nursing care and support to get them through it.  

The charities hope that this new awareness month will help highlight the experiences and distinct needs of young people with cancer and increase awareness of the challenges they face.  

Cancer is different in young people. They have very different needs to younger children and older adults facing this disease, so they need a special, tailored approach to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, care and support. 

The far-reaching impact of cancer does not end when treatment ends. Quality of life and learning to live well with cancer is vital too. The impact of a cancer diagnosis can continue for many years. 

Kate Collins, Chief Executive, Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “This month is all about shining a spotlight on the experiences and needs of young people with cancer, which are so often overlooked. 
 
“That is why we will be working with young people across the UK to help them share stories about the impact cancer has had on their lives, as well as their tips and advice for others on how to cope with the many challenges a cancer diagnosis brings”. 

“We’re proud to be a part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month and to be working with young people to raise awareness and understanding of the unique needs of this age group.” During Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, Teenage Cancer Trust will also be raising awareness of how the charity supports young people and works to improve their experience through specialised services”. 

Teenage Cancer Trust run 28 specialist units across the UK – the only nationwide specialist network of treatment centres supporting young people with cancer - and fund 102 frontline staff working directly with young people.  

Teenage Cancer Trust Nurses are specially trained in how cancer affects teenagers and young adults. As well as providing world-class medical care, they understand how to support young people with the impact of cancer on their emotions, friendships, studies, work and relationships. The charity’s Youth Support Coordinators are specialist youth workers operating alongside our nursing teams to help young people deal with the emotional and practical impact of cancer. Because their role is non-medical, they are 100% focused on each young person as an individual, not on their diagnosis. 

Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Coordinators play a vital role in breaking down the sense of isolation and helping young people with cancer to maintain their mental health and wellbeing. They are there to support young people with anything cancer throws at them, from dealing with hair loss or changes to how they look, to returning to work or study and adjusting to life after cancer. 

The charities who are taking part in Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month are: Teenage Cancer Trust, Trekstock, Dragonfly Cancer Trust, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), Cancer Research UK, Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust, Brain Tumour Research, Young Lives vs Cancer, Sarcoma UK, Little Princess Trust, Bone Cancer Research Trust, Solving Kids Cancer, Teens Unite Against Cancer, the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer, and Children with Cancer. 

Search #TYACAM to follow Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month and find out how the charities are raising awareness and how you can get involved this April.