Next to take to the stage is Rachel Gilbert, who was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer when she was 15. Now 22, Rachel is about to celebrate, as she calls it, her “cancerversary”! Like Hannah, Rachel was a keen gymnast before her diagnosis, and explains how difficult it was to adapt to life with cancer, especially with the absence of friends, after many of them did not stay in contact during her treatment.

Hannah Merridale bravely takes to the stage to share her story, starting with a series of breathing problems and culminating in the discovery of a cancerous tumour in her lung, ultimately leading to its collapse and then removal, after five years of misdiagnosis from doctors, stating it was simply asthma. Hannah talks about the fears she experienced at the discovery of the real problem, stating how frustrating it felt to be told of the news when they had requested an X-Ray all along. She goes on to explain in detail the unimaginable misconduct she had to endure at the hands of some truly awful nurses, whilst still recovering from her operation and trying best to regain normality.

Pharmacist Chris Salmen, located at the Royal Marsden Hospital, talks about his own experience with cancer and how this led him to become particularly interested in the drugs that were used to treat him. Starting with chemotherapy, Chris uses visual examples to represent the processes taking place when the drugs are at work, looking at the science behind it and how ultimately, this leads to the destruction of dangerous cells.

Motivational speaker Chris Moon shares his incredible story of survival against all odds, when a huge explosion resulted in the loss of his lower right arm and leg. Chris uses his personal experiences in a unique and inspirational way to explain how negative situations can be made into something positive with the right attitude and a little bit of humour of course!

It’s back…but this time, it’s covered in…stickers?! Prepare for more fun and games as some recognisable faces get their brush with fame on the sumptuous Big Brother inspired lips sofa! From cheerleaders to sticker monsters, the FYSOT “diary room” offers everything you could wish for in the name of entertainment!

Professor Mike Richards returns for his fourth year to discuss what he has gained from attending the conference, as well as talking about the issues raised in past years and the changes which have taken place as a result.

Professor Tim Eden sums up the topics of the day and reiterates the importance of young people’s voices being heard so the necessary changes in research and improvements in service can take place.

Highlights from the panel discussion with a team of health professionals, specialised in cancer treatment, research and care. A selection of queries and questions are raised by members of the audience concerning all aspects of their experience with cancer…and met with some interesting answers!

Chaired by Sue Morgan and Sam Smith.
Participants: Angela Edgar, Louise Hooker, Ursula Peaple, Meriel Jenney, Jeremy Whelan, Sally Kinsey, and Christine Johnson.

The inspirational and courageous Nicole Dryburgh shares her incredible story, starting when she was first diagnosed at age 11 with a peripheral nerve sheath tumour, a rare type of cancer. After a series of devastating relapses over the years, Nicole has been left deaf in one ear, profoundly deaf in the other and unable to see. However, this has not stopped her from achieving incredible things. Talking about the release of her book, “The Way I See It”, Nicole explains how she hopes it can help people going through a similar situation to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what the circumstance.

Health Minister Anne Keen drops in to talk to everyone about her role within the health system and the various changes and improvements taking place with regards to better care for young people with cancer.

A talk explaining a new idea in mobile phone technology for patients experiencing side effects from treatment, with information on how it works and the system in place. Patients can receive information about their specific symptoms from a qualified source so they can feel reassured and able to talk about their problems more freely. A former patient, Lucia gives her emotional and detailed account of her experience with the effects of chemotherapy.

A talk from the National Cancer Research Institute, an organisation dedicated to improving the treatments available for cancer with the help of local specialist groups and patients themselves. We are introduced to some ex cancer patients who are part of the consumer consultation group, aiming to get other patients involved in the planning and design of research so they can offer new, fresh ideas and have their opinions heard.