This April Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the distinct needs and experiences of young people with cancer, which are so often overlooked.

There are four areas of life where cancer can have an especially big impact for those diagnosed as a teenager or young adult – and where getting the right support can make a big difference.

Week 4: Cancer and Fertility

Some cancer treatments can affect fertility. For many young people diagnosed, it may well be the first time they’ve ever had to think about whether they want children of their own. Every young person should get the chance to have an open, honest conversation about fertility preservation options with their clinical team.

Amy, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma aged 23, says:

“The consultant asked if I’d thought about the future and having children. Me and my boyfriend had only been together a year and a half and we hadn’t had that conversation. I decided to freeze my eggs because I didn’t know what the future held. I was diagnosed on the Tuesday, and on the Thursday I was having a fertility consultation. That whole week was so overwhelming, it all happened so quickly and there was so much going on I hardly had time to think about it.”