What Kate Middleton's announcement means for young people with cancer

After weeks of speculation around her whereabouts, Kate Middleton took matters into her own hands when she announced to the nation she was receiving treatment for cancer. In a heartfelt and candid message, Kate spoke openly about the impact the disease was having on her family - particularly her three young children.

Inevitably, in the wake of this news, thoughts turned to cancer symptoms - with cancer charities reporting a huge spike in traffic - others like Kate who had found themselves having to give their children news such as this and the reminder that you're never too young, too rich or too famous to get cancer.

It also highlighted the rise of cancer in younger people. At only 42, Kate is classed as young to have cancer, but as our community know all too well, cancer can strike at any age. Nine of every ten people with cancer are 50-plus. Half of cases are in people aged 75-plus. But ten per cent of people diagnosed are under 50 and the numbers are rising. Despite that, being diagnosed with cancer at a young age can leave people feeling incredibly lonely - isolated from their peers and a far cry from the person they were before their diagnosis.

Writing in The Sun, GP and friend of Trekstock Dr Philippa Kaye, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 39, explains how her age impacted her experience:

"I felt like I was the youngest person in the ICU, in the clinic waiting room, in the chemo suite and at my local cancer support charity. A young adult with cancer may well have different needs to an older adult, with issues around fertility, premature menopause, sex, work and exercise all being important. Some of these issues are still not discussed enough and all-important support networks can be lacking. That is where charities such as Trekstock come in, providing support for young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 facing cancer."

Philippa also related with Kate on a key issue faced by young people with cancer - dealing with your disease alongside parenting responsibilities. She added: "I remember only too well how it feels to have to tell your young children that you have cancer. To try to answer their unanswerable questions, and to attempt to hold their fears and worries at the same time as my own."

Hearing the words 'you have cancer' can be challenging at any age, but for those diagnosed younger, the parameters are different. Many of our community are juggling young families, finances and their careers alongside their cancer treatment. We exist to make sure people like Kate are supported to manage all of this and much more through our programme of events and to provide community to those feeling the isolation of a cancer diagnosis at a young age.

If you've found your way here as a result of being diagnosed with cancer in your 20s, 30s, or you're Kate Middleton, welcome. We've got you. Check out our Support For You to see what we offer.

Thank you to our friend and expert Dr Philippa for continuing these vital conversations around young people diagnosed with cancer. With 38 young people diagnosed with cancer every single day in the UK, these conversations are more important than ever.

Please donate or join our epic trek through London to help us reach more young people facing challenges like Kate.

‍