9. The doctors said it was “impossible” but here I am with pancreatic cancer at 20 years old
This story stood out for putting a human face on the growing problem of cancer being dismissed in younger adults. Protection Reporter told the story of Alex, a 20 year old student diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer after repeatedly being told she was too young to have the disease. Her experience reflected wider evidence showing that younger people often struggle to be taken seriously by clinicians, even as cancer incidence among under 50s continues to rise.
Alongside Alex’s account, the article drew on research from Young Lives vs Cancer to highlight the significant financial impact of a diagnosis on young people and their families. The research showed high out of pocket costs for travel, food and accommodation, alongside income losses averaging £6,000 a year. These pressures often hit before individuals have had time to process their diagnosis, compounding the emotional and physical strain of treatment.
