This episode shines a light on the incredible role charities and peer support programmes play in helping young people navigate cancer treatment and recovery. Through personal stories, Andrew and Carson share how support from youth workers, charities, and fellow patients helped them build friendships, create positive memories, and feel less alone during some of life's toughest moments.

Podcast Synopsis

When you're facing cancer as a teenager, having the right support can make all the difference.

In this episode of The Radiotherapy Podcast, Andrew and Carson discuss how charities, youth support programs, and peer support groups helped them through treatment and beyond. They share stories of meeting other young people who truly understood what they were going through, taking part in unforgettable trips and activities, and finding opportunities to simply be teenagers again.

From sailing adventures and theme park trips to special holidays, charity-funded experiences, and lifelong friendships, this conversation highlights the positive impact that support networks can have on young people and their families during and after cancer treatment.

· What peer support means and why connecting with others in similar situations is so valuable.

· The role of Youth Support Coordinators and how they help young people during treatment.

· Building friendships through Teenage Cancer Trust activities and events.

· Annual peer support trips, including weekends at Crieff Hydro.

· Andrew and Carson's experiences on the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sailing trip.

· How charities helped families both emotionally and financially during treatment.

· Carson's experience with Calum's Cabin and a restorative family break after treatment.

· Support from Young Lives vs Cancer, Dreamflight, SuperShoes, and other charitable organisations.

· The importance of giving back through fundraising and supporting the charities that helped them. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)

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In this powerful episode of Radio Therapy, host Hollie is joined by Rowan, Rosa and Max, who share their experiences of being diagnosed with cancer during their early teenage years and the challenges of navigating friendships, school, and everyday life during and after treatment. The conversation explores the realities of returning to school after cancer, coping with rumours and misunderstandings, and the emotional impact of feeling different from peers who struggle to understand what life with cancer is really like. The young people also discuss the invaluable role of peer support, the friendships they've built through organisations like Teenage Cancer Trust, and why connecting with others who truly understand has been life-changing. Honest, heartfelt and often humorous, this episode shines a light on the importance of friendship, support and belonging throughout the teenage cancer experience. Episode Highlights • Growing up with a cancer diagnosis and how friendships changed during treatment. • The challenges of explaining cancer to classmates and peers. • Returning to school and facing rumours, awkward conversations and new realities. • Why peer support and cancer friendships can make all the difference. • Residential trips, shared experiences and finding people who truly understand. • Learning to navigate friendships after treatment ends. • Using humour to cope with difficult moments and challenges. • Advice for young people facing a diagnosis and for friends wanting to offer support. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast

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This episode offers a powerful and uplifting look at what life is really like for teenagers navigating cancer treatment. Through honest conversations, Andrew and Carson share their experiences of being diagnosed at a young age, missing school, staying connected with friends, coping with treatment, and finding their way back to everyday life. What happens when cancer interrupts your teenage years? In this heartfelt episode of The Radiotherapy Podcast, Stuart sits down with Andrew and Carson, two young cancer survivors, to discuss the realities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery during some of the most important years of growing up. From being away from school and managing friendships to finding support from family, hospital staff, and fellow patients, they share candid stories of resilience, humour, and hope. The conversation explores the challenges of returning to normal life after treatment, rebuilding confidence, and discovering new strengths along the way. Their advice for other young people facing a similar journey is both practical and inspiring. • Andrew and Carson share their cancer diagnosis stories and treatment experiences. • The impact of long periods away from school and staying connected with classmates. • Managing friendships, social life, and concerns about what others might think. • The importance of peer support and meeting other young people facing similar challenges. • How family relationships became stronger throughout treatment. • Life on the Teen Cancer Trust ward and the difference dedicated support spaces can make. • Andrew's experience travelling to Manchester for proton therapy. • Carson's journey back to fitness, including running half marathons after treatment. • The role of charities, special experiences, and community support during recovery. • Honest advice for young people currently going through treatment: trust your medical team and listen to your body. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast