Teenage Cancer Action Week – 14 – 20 October
Between the 14th and 20th of October, Teenage Cancer Trust is running Teenage Cancer Action Week.
The Action Week aims to highlight key signs which could signify cancer in teenagers and young adults. The five most common signs of cancer in young people aged 13 to 24. These are unexplained and persistent:
• Pain
• Lump, bump or swelling
• Significant weight loss
• Extreme tiredness
• Changes in a mole
Teenage Cancer Trust believes that teenagers shouldn’t have to stop being teenagers, just because they have cancer.
From funds raised, they build specialist treatment centres in NHS hospitals. Created especially for young people – stark colours, clinical smells, square corners are all left at the door. As well as top-performing, specialist medical staff, equipment and treatments; surroundings are intuitively designed and are bright, welcoming and give a ‘home-from-home’ feel which is proven to aid recovery. Elements such as webcams so patients can talk to friends and family whenever they like, pool tables and entertainment centres are also featured in the units.
So far, they have successfully funded, built and now maintain 25 units across the UK with 10 more planned which will provide young people the same high level of specialist support, no matter where they live.
The case study below features Joe, 27, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at 18. After battling cancer he now races for the Ecurie Ecosse team in the British GT Championship.
Young Person Case Study
Joe, 27, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at 18. Joe didn’t let cancer stop him achieving what he wanted to in life and now races for the Ecurie Ecosse team in the British GT Championship.
“I never thought cancer would happen to me, but it did. Once I was told the news I was transferred to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at University College Hospital London. Whilst I was there I had six cycles of chemotherapy, full body radiation and a bone marrow transplant. It felt like I was there for a long time, but in reality, given the treatment I had it was actually pretty quick.
I was very lucky to be given my own room and it was all fairly high tech and modern and I felt very comfortable there. All the staff were amazing on the ward and made me feel at ease. I also had a great relationship with the complimentary therapy team.
I made some great mates on the ward as we were all teenagers going through the same thing. There were quite a few funny moments, including a great water fight with some “borrowed” syringes!
I’m now in remission and live a very active and fun life. I race cars which has taken me to some fantastic places around the world. The best thing is that despite having had a serious health issue a few years ago there is nothing that stops me being a normal 27 year old today.
In the future I guess one day I’d like to have a family but until then I want to live life to the full and my overall ambition is to race and win Le Mans.
Teenage Cancer Action Week
Teenage Cancer Action Week runs from 14-20 October 2013 and helps educate people about the five most common signs of cancer in young people.
We want people to LEARN the five most common signs of cancer in young people aged 13 to 24. These are unexplained and persistent:
• Pain
• Lump, bump or swelling
• Significant weight loss
• Extreme tiredness
• Changes in a mole
And TAKE ACTION by:
• SEEING your GP if worried
• SHARING the five signs with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#5signs), at school, at work, at home, everywhere!
• BUYING a Teenage Cancer Trust wristband – 100% of the profits will be donated to TCT.
• GIVING by helping to empower a generation. Text TEEN to 70300 to donate £3*.
• FINDING OUT MORE at: www.teenagecancertrust.org/actionweek