Why me?

Did I cause this?

• Nothing you have done – or not done – has caused this cancer.

• It is most likely NOT to run in your family – so it's not your parent's fault either.

• You didn't catch it.

In fact it's a horrible, random thing that has happened to you and your cells.

The truth is that the medical people just aren't sure why young people get cancer. It's not like you've been smoking 20 a day for 40 years is it?

What is happening is more people (under the age of 24) are getting cancer than ever before, which is a scary thought. On the positive side, it does mean that more research is being done into the causes of these cancers and into improved treatments, so that every young person can get the best care possible, in the most appropriate place around.

Feeling on your own?

Right now you may feel like you’re the only young person around with cancer. But you’re not alone in all of this. It's estimated that, in the UK,  at least 2,300 young people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Trouble is, across the whole of the UK, that's not many people in each area so it may feel like you are the only one. And in your immediate area, you might well be! So, on this website you can get social with other teenagers and young people with cancer through our 'interactive bit'.

Just visit our 'talk' section to read what other people are going through and add your own story. And you can read tips and share your own. You just need to register with this site. Plus – tick the newsletter box, and you’ll get updates by email too.