Magazine articles list

Helping to prepare young people impacted by cancer for work

Roxanne Lawrance is Chief Executive at Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a charity that supports teenagers and young adults impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Here, she tells us about some of the ways Teens Unite helps young people who have had cancer gain vital skills, experience and insight to prepare them for searching for and starting employment.

Sam, on the right, being sworn in as a police officer

My cancer diagnosis has never defined who I am

Sam Varnam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a teenager in 2017. Now 24, he tells us about how he navigated the challenges of treatment, and the route he took to becoming a police officer.

A young man is standing next to a pedestrian crossing, holding a guitar.

“Seek out additional help and be open about how you’re feeling”

Shane Gunby was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 15 in 2012, leaving him with several long-term side effects. He explains how this has impacted him in the workplace, and what a difference proper support from employers can make to young people navigating the world of work after cancer.

A man with brown hair and glasses stands next to a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a grey blazer.

Creating a good practice guideline for communicating with young people with cancer

Nurse Debbie Critoph and Dr Luke Smith are healthcare professionals and researchers in clinical communication in young people with cancer. Here, they tell us about how they developed good practice guidelines to help peers effectively communicate with teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer to engage them in the level of communication they need.

A young girl with blonde hair and a big smile is hugging Taylor Swift

The network I needed: Peer support and a shared cause

Ellie Philpotts was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2011 aged 15. She explains how she found support from other young people with cancer and how, through awareness raising, writing and advocacy work, she’s hoping to help those who are newly diagnosed.

Relationships and childhood cancer

Following a childhood cancer diagnosis, parents may find relationships with those around them change, while they may also develop a number of new relationships during their child’s treatment. Here, Dr Amandeep Samrai, Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Paediatric Oncology at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, talks about how relationships can be both helpful and challenging during childhood cancer treatment.