TEENAGE CANCER TRUST BRINGS CANCER EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO NORTHERN IRELAND

TEENAGE CANCER TRUST BRINGS CANCER EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO NORTHERN IRELAND

Teenage Cancer Trust, the charity dedicated to supporting young people with cancer aged 13-24 and their families, has expanded its Education and Awareness Programme into Northern Ireland. The charity is now urging all schools and colleges to get in touch and book a free presentation.

 

Aimed at students from year 10 upwards, the 50 minute presentations are positive, upbeat, and designed to demystify the disease and empower young people to take control of their health and make positive lifestyle choices. Students learn about the disease, its main warning signs and how to seek help.

 

It is the only cancer awareness programme targeted at teenagers and young adults and is proven to be effective. An evaluation by the University of Stirling showed that, after a 50 minute session, students’ knowledge of the warning signs of cancer increased by nearly a third (30%) and they were almost three times more likely to discuss cancer with friends, family and health professionals. 

 

Helping young people to feel comfortable talking about cancer, and breaking down the barriers to seeking help, is vitally important. Recent research by Teenage Cancer Trust found that a third (33%) of young people were diagnosed with cancer after their health deteriorated to the point of needing to go to Accident and Emergency.[i]

 

The programme in Northern Ireland is being delivered by Malachy Nixon, 33, from County Tyrone, who has many years’ experience in health promotion and cancer support. Bringing extensive knowledge of cancer education and a passion for youth work, Malachy joined Teenage Cancer Trust in August of this year as Education and Awareness Programme Executive.

 

Malachy said: “I had been delivering cancer awareness sessions in a variety of settings, but noticed there was nothing targeted specifically at teenagers and young adults. Reaching people at this age is really important, because you have a chance to impact on the way they think and behave in the future.

 

“Most young people will be affected by cancer in some way, either themselves or through friends and family. The presentations I give in schools encourage people to not be afraid to talk about cancer and to seek advice quickly if they have any health concerns, which can lead to earlier diagnosis.”  

 

On average in Northern Ireland, 97 young people aged 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer every year. Jarlath Nichol, now 21, was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2013 at just 17 years old.

Jarlath, from Coalisland, County Tyrone, was on work placement at an engineering firm when he started to notice that he was feeling constantly exhausted and was developing unexplained bruises all over his body. Despite an initial diagnosis of meningitis, further blood tests revealed that he in fact had leukaemia.

 

Jarlath spent 9 months in hospital, undergoing regular chemotherapy treatment. He was given the all clear in July 2016, but will need shoulder surgery to repair damage caused by chemotherapy weakening his bones.

 

He said: “When you’re young you feel invincible, and that cancer could never happen to you. I was completely shocked when I got the news. Looking back, the warning signs were there, but the thought that it could be cancer never entered my mind.

 

“I think cancer education is really important. It could help other young people in a similar situation as me to spot symptoms sooner and get help as quickly as they can.”

 

Teenage Cancer Trust’s Education and Awareness sessions are free and available to all schools and colleges in Northern Ireland. To find out more and request a session, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org/education.   

 

Last updated 7 years 4 months ago