Like many young childhood cancer survivors, Grace Favelle found it hard to deal with ‘’normal life’’ after she was given the all clear.
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Diagnosed at five years old with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the Scarborough girl underwent two years of gruelling chemotherapy before going into remission.
At age 10, she reached the milestone of being five-years cancer free – but soon realised that life without cancer could have its downsides too.
Her experience is all too common, with new research revealing that eight out of 10 childhood cancer survivors develop at least one life-changing mental or physical health issue.
‘’The biggest thing I struggled with was normality,’’ Grace, now 17, said.
‘’Many people find it hard to talk about cancer, particularly childhood cancer, and there were people who didn’t know how to react around me anymore.
‘’I lost a lot of friends too which was very hard.’’
Treatment had taken its toll physically too, and the Bulli High School student needs to take good care of her health.
‘’Chemotherapy has weakened my heart. I get tired a lot more than other people and have to be careful to eat healthy and exercise.’’
For young cancer survivors, physical ‘late effects’ – side effects that appear a long time after cancer treatment – include heart disease, obesity and osteoporosis.
Many young survivors also experience serious psychological effects, with almost 50 per cent reporting anxiety or depression.
The research, conducted by a team at the University of NSW, has been given a $2.2 million boost from Cancer Council NSW.
The team will use the funds to develop a program to reduce these late effects and enhance survivors’ – and their carers’ – quality of life.
The biggest thing I struggled with was normality.
- Grace Favelle
‘’We know that a lot of young cancer survivors find it hard to return to normal life after cancer,’’ Cancer Council Southern Region spokeswoman Emma Swords said.
‘’As well as the physical effects, their relationships with friends and family may have changed, and they may have concerns about their future or the cancer reoccurring.’’
Ms Swords said as well as funding research, Cancer Council also ran support programs for survivors.
Such support has helped Grace greatly, as has her role as an ambassador for Make A Wish. ‘’It’s helped me a lot to be able to share my story with other young people.’’
Support Cancer Council by donating on Daffodil Day, August 26.