Zaynab

What do you want people to know about your experience?

I want people to know that cancer, especially as a young person, is not just a physical illness—it deeply impacts your identity, mental health, and relationships. For me, it was not just about the treatments; it was about navigating the emotional challenges and feeling incredibly alone at times. The isolation and lack of support I experienced from my university made everything harder. Workplaces, universities, and society need to do more to offer understanding and support to those of us who face this challenge. I want people to understand that the journey can be difficult, but with the right support and determination it’s possible to move forward. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll cancer takes and to be gentle with yourself during that process.

What does being a young person who’s had a cancer diagnosis mean to you?

Being a young person with cancer meant navigating a world where most people my age couldn’t relate to what I was going through. I felt very alone in my struggles, not only physically but emotionally and mentally. It made me rethink a lot about life and the people around me and forced me to grow up quickly. It definitely made me more resilient, but also left me with fears and anxieties I never expected to carry into adulthood.

What does being part of a community of young people who have also experienced cancer meant to you?

Being part of a community of young cancer survivors has been incredibly comforting. It’s a space where I don’t have to explain myself or feel misunderstood. Everyone has a shared experience, and that connection is invaluable. It can be challenging at times as I find myself feeling survivors guilt when comparing stories with each other but it’s reassuring to know that there are others who have faced similar challenges, and it helps me feel less isolated.

What does living life alongside cancer mean to you?

Living life alongside cancer means embracing both the good and the difficult parts of my journey. It means accepting that cancer might always be a part of my life in some way—whether that’s through the lingering anxieties about relapsing or the long-lasting effects of the chemotherapy treatment. It’s also about choosing to live life fully, enjoying each day despite those fears, by focusing on my health and wellbeing and being kind to myself.

What do you wish you’d known about cancer before your diagnosis?

Before my diagnosis, I wish I had known more about the emotional and mental toll cancer would take. I was relatively prepared for the physical challenges, but I wasn’t prepared for how lonely and mentally drained I would feel. I also wish I had known more about how drastically each aspect of my life would change as a result of my diagnosis—from relationships to fitness to university. It would have been helpful to understand that emotional recovery could take just as long, if not longer, than physical recovery.

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