Facing cancer as a teenager or young adult presents a specific set of challenges at a key developmental stage of life. This is a time when education and employment are not only essential for learning but also play a vital role in personal growth and the start of professional development.
Our experiences from education and entering employment go beyond exams and job titles – it’s about forming connections, teamwork, responsibility and independence, building confidence, and having a sense of ambition and purpose. For teenagers and young adults overcoming cancer, this time of their life is often put on hold – taking away opportunities to learn these key life skills, reach milestones, and achieve.
Prolonged absence from education and employment because of treatment and recovery can have a lasting effect on their life beyond cancer. More than three-quarters of young people report finding work hard once they’ve finished treatment, with cancer survivors 1.4 times more likely to be unemployed than the general population. Seeing peers move forward while experiencing isolation can also significantly impact their mental health, with almost all young people reporting at least one mental health issue post-diagnosis.
Teens Unite brings together 13-24-year-olds who have experienced cancer from across the UK, through tailored activities, residential stays and specialist programmes. Our ‘Be Empowered’ series of activities, includes workshops on LinkedIn, CV writing, fitness, and creative skills like photography and cooking. Of those who have taken part, 94% said they looked forward to life beyond cancer, and 81% felt ready to return to education or work.
Returning after a cancer diagnosis can be daunting, with questions like, “Should I tell my classmates or colleagues?” or “Will they understand my needs?” At Teens Unite, we show young people they’re not alone and can face these challenges together.
We believe they should still have the opportunity to thrive, without cancer getting in the way, and to support with this we host two annual events:
- ‘Discover You’ sees motivational speakers inspire others with their own personal experiences and the challenges they have overcome
- ‘Let’s Talk Cancer’ is formed of a panel of young adults, who have benefitted from the support of Teens Unite, who answer questions on a range of topics, including making decisions around education and employment
Tasmin, diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma aged 15
Tasmin, who was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 15, said:
At the age of 15, my biggest worries should have been school and spending time with friends, but cancer changed everything. Instead of socialising, I was stuck within four hospital walls. My social bubble disappeared almost instantly, and the idea of a future career felt impossible. I became more anxious, nervous, and withdrawn.
Tasmin added: "Six months after finishing treatment, I attended my first Teens Unite event, and I regret not going sooner. The confidence I gained from meeting others who had built amazing careers despite their challenges showed me that this was still possible. Because of them, I’ve travelled, worked abroad in kids’ clubs, and I’m currently working in an activity camp. Eventually, I hope to be able to work on cruise ships.
"Teens Unite hasn’t just helped me gain skills and meet new people – it’s given me the confidence to push forward in life. I can’t explain how thankful I am for this charity. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without them."
Teens Unite’s next ‘Discover You’ event will take place at YouTube Head Office on 6 September.
To attend, a young person needs to register with Teens Unite first, which is quick, easy and free to do.
Just visit www.teensunite.org/teens-sign-up
From Contact magazine issue 107 | Summer 2025
