'They are the most resilient people I've ever met' - Meet the team supporting teenagers and young adults with cancer
Teenage years are a time of new experiences and growing independence, but for some, a cancer diagnosis puts this all on hold.
April is Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Month, so we checked in with some of the inspirational team who are supporting young people with cancer at the University Hospital of Wales Teenage Cancer Trust Unit.
Funded by Teenage Cancer Trust, the unit is especially designed for 14-25 year olds and offers support with all aspects of their life whilst facing cancer. The unit is made up of day beds, en-suite rooms, an outpatient area and examination room, along with a social area, parents’ room and kitchen.
The space feels more age-appropriate than a standard ward and provides young people with the best support from dedicates nurses and youth support teams.
Kate Morgan is Interim Senior Nurse for the Teenage and Young Adult Service at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. “I really enjoy working with the young people. It’s a unique age group and its an enormous privilege and pleasure to be a part of their cancer care,” Kate said.
“My favourite part about my role is the relationships I build with young people and their families. Each patient is unique and its enormously rewarding getting to know them and playing a part in their treatment.
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis at any age is extremely challenging and the emotional and psychological impact can never be underestimated, but that’s particularly relevant with this age group. It’s a time in life of enormous development and throwing a cancer diagnosis in the mix is extremely difficult. We try and ensure young people stay positive and motivated through their treatment by being there for patients at every step of the way."
Anna Davies is the Senior Youth Support Coordinator for Teenage Cancer Trust in Wales and offers support for all young people with cancer aged 14-25.
She said: “I help with the ‘life stuff’, from coping with treatment to navigating relationships, getting back into to work and rediscovering their confidence and self-esteem.
“This age group are just starting to navigate the world and their life, getting through exams, starting a career or family of their own, wanting to travel and explore the world. Cancer disrupts everything and it can be difficult for patients to work out what their life looks like after a treatment or diagnosis.”
“My favourite thing about my role is that it’s different every day. I get to meet new patients and families all the time and biggest reward is seeing patients get better and be able to move on with life. The young people stay so positive and teach me so much, they are the most resilient people I’ve ever met in my life.”
Nokutula Mabhena, a Nurse Practitioner who recently joined the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the University Hospital of Wales, added: “The most rewarding part is getting to know the patients, having the opportunity to build a relationship with them and support them as much as I possibly can. I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to work with them.
“Their life is almost put on hold when they are sick and they feel very isolated. If there is anything I can do to help, even if it's just to put a smile on their face and give them some words of encouragement, then I will.”
Teenage Cancer Trust provides help and support to those aged 14-25 effected by cancer, find out more by visiting their website: Help and support | Teenage Cancer Trust.