28 October 2025
Southampton Hospitals Charity supports research to improve life after cancer for young people
At Southampton Hospitals Charity, we’re incredibly proud to have supported the ‘Support My Way’ research project, led by Research Fellow Nicole Collaço. This study set out to explore a vital question – what happens to young people after their cancer treatment ends?
The study worked with 16 teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 25, each sharing their personal experiences between one and six years after finishing treatment.
We had the opportunity to meet Dr. Samantha Sodergren, Senior Research Fellow, from University of Southampton who has been closely involved in the project. Samantha explained that young people’s feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the research has laid the groundwork for panel-led, co-designed activities.
We also met with Charlotte, one of the project’s panellists, who shared her own lived experience with cancer and her perspective on the project, and what she thinks should be offered to young people after cancer treatment ends.
Life after cancer
Having been through cancer treatment herself, Charlotte has played a vital role in making sure the project stayed grounded in what really matters to young people. Working side by side with researchers, she’s helped shape support that reflects the real challenges – and hopes – of life after cancer.
Charlotte was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma during her pregnancy. Her daughter was born healthy, but Charlotte went on to undergo several treatments at University Hospital Southampton, including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, as part of her cancer journey.
“I had so much treatment over four or five years that there are still lasting effects. I’m generally quite well now, but it’s definitely changed my life.”
The need for lifelong psychological support
For Charlotte, one of the biggest gaps in care is psychological support that extends beyond treatment:
“I have all the medical support – hematology, cardiology, endocrinology, immunology – but no one looks after the whole picture… I could probably access psychological support if I really pushed for it, but it’s complicated. Everything’s separate, and I already have so many appointments.”
Charlotte highlighted that a more structured follow-up system could make a significant difference, providing regular check-ins or simple ways to access support when needed. Young adults need follow-up for much longer than they’re usually offered. Things might feel settled for a while, but when life milestones come – like starting a family – old experiences and fears can come back.
She also pointed to the unique comfort that group support can offer, connecting with others who have faced similar challenges helps young people feel understood and less alone.
Sharing stories and helping others
Charlotte shared that being part of the ‘Support My Way’ project had given her a renewed sense of purpose after a long and challenging cancer journey. Many participants expressed similar reflections, taking part in the research had helped them process their own experiences while giving them the opportunity to make a difference for others facing similar challenges.
Being able to talk openly and share experiences was an important part of the project. At Southampton Hospitals Charity, we are proud to hear such positive feedback and to have played a role in creating meaningful change for young people who have undergone cancer treatment.
Thank you to Nicole, Samantha, Charlotte, the participants, and everyone who had been involved in making this project possible.
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