As a young person, it can be a distressing time when you or someone in your family has cancer:

• You may feel uncertain about the future and scared.
• It may not seem fair and you may feel angry.
• You may feel like you don’t know what is happening.
• You may feel lonely and different from your friends.
• It can also be hard to concentrate at school or while studying.
• If a family member has cancer, you may feel that no one cares about you any more, or you can feel bad if you are having fun.

These are normal feelings. It can help to talk to someone, but it can sometimes seem difficult to find anyone who understands your situation. 

Whether you are a young person with cancer, or have a parent, brother, sister or friend with cancer, it’s important to know:

• You are not on your own.
• There are people you can talk to.
• Every cancer and every person is different.
• Getting the right information is important.

Remember to talk to your parents and family. There are also places you can go to get help and advice or just someone to talk to. It can help to make a list of questions you want to ask.

Organisations that provide information and support for children and young people include:

• Canteen
• Redkite
• Cancer Council
• Sony Foundation
• Kids Helpline
• Camp Quality
• Young Carers

You can also talk to the cancer care coordinator or social worker where you are being seen. They can tell you what services and support groups are available locally. Your GP may also be able to provide information about this.