Serious Illness: Supporting Loved Ones and Taking Care of Yourself

When serious illness affects your family, it’s hard to know what to do. Learn how to provide support, manage your feelings, and find strength during challenging times. You’re not alone, and help is always available.

You’re not alone

Whatever you are going through, many others have gone through it too. Our articles and guides will answer all your questions.

Articles & guides

Benefit from thousands of articles and guides on more than 50 subjects specifically chosen for young people from 12-18 years of age.

LATEST ARTICLES & GUIDES

How does cancer affect the family?

Serious Illness

How does cancer affect the family?

Understanding the impact of cancer on families and practical strategies for teenagers to cope with the changes and challenges it brings.

Can you live a normal life with cancer?

Serious Illness

Can you live a normal life with cancer?

Explore how young people with cancer can manage lifestyle challenges and maintain normalcy, focusing on strategies for balancing treatment, social life, and education.

How do you talk to someone who has cancer?

Serious Illness

How do you talk to someone who has cancer?

Learn effective ways to communicate with someone who has cancer, demonstrating support and sensitivity.

What's a cancer screening?

Serious Illness

What’s a cancer screening?

Explore the importance of cancer screening for teens, focusing on awareness, early detection, and strategies to maintain long-term health.

What does it mean if someone is in remission?

Serious Illness

What does it mean if someone is in remission?

A guide to understanding and managing remission, detailing its impact and strategies for dealing with this phase effectively for teenagers.

How often should you cheque for signs of cancer?

Serious Illness

How often should you check for signs of cancer?

Learn why regular self-examinations and understanding cancer signs can save lives, and discover practical strategies for teenagers to manage health effectively.

How does someone get cancer?

Serious Illness

How does someone get cancer?

Understanding cancer causes, effects, and managing strategies can help teenagers cope better with diagnosis and treatment.

Does hair always fall out with cancer treatment?

Serious Illness

Does hair always fall out with cancer treatment?

Explore strategies for managing hair loss during cancer treatment and learn that not all treatments necessarily lead to this side effect.

Can cancer be cured?

Serious Illness

Can cancer be cured?

Discover the complexities of curing cancer, understanding treatment advancements, and practical coping strategies for young people.

What are long COVID symptoms?

Serious Illness

What are long COVID symptoms?

Long COVID can cause fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness for weeks or months. Managing symptoms through rest, diet, and medical support can help teenagers recover and return to normal activities.

Can teenagers get cancer?

Serious Illness

Can teenagers get cancer?

Explore how cancer can affect teenagers, the real-life impacts, and practical coping strategies for young people dealing with a diagnosis.

Why do we need to social distance?

Serious Illness

Why do we need to social distance?

Social distancing reduces the spread of COVID-19, protects vulnerable people, and prevents healthcare overload. Maintaining distance in crowded places and respecting personal space helps keep everyone safer and minimises future outbreaks.

Why do some people get cancer and others don't?

Serious Illness

Why do some people get cancer and others don’t?

Understanding why some get cancer while others don't involves genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors; knowing these can help teens reduce their future cancer risk.

When should I wash my hands?

Serious Illness

When should I wash my hands?

Washing your hands prevents illness and stops the spread of germs. Key times include before eating, after using the toilet, and after touching shared objects. Regular handwashing helps keep you and those around you healthy.

What causes cancer?

Serious Illness

What causes cancer?

Learn about the causes of cancer, its impact on teenagers, and practical strategies to reduce your risk.

What can I do to prevent cancer?

Serious Illness

What can I do to prevent cancer?

Discover practical strategies to reduce your risk of cancer, including maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, avoiding tobacco and excessive sun exposure, and getting regular medical cheque-ups.

What are the survival rates for cancer?

Serious Illness

What are the survival rates for cancer?

Explore the importance of understanding cancer survival rates and learn strategies for young people coping with cancer, either personally or within their circle.

What are the signs and symptoms of cancer?

Serious Illness

What are the signs and symptoms of cancer?

Learn about the general and specific signs of cancer relevant to teenagers and discover practical strategies for addressing them effectively.

Is cancer contagious?

Serious Illness

Is cancer contagious?

Discover the truth about cancer's contagion misconceptions, the real-life impacts for young individuals, and learn how you can prevent and support effectively.

What support is available for cancer patients?

Serious Illness

What support is available for cancer patients?

Support for cancer patients includes medical and psychological treatment, financial aid, and practical help, critical to managing this challenging disease effectively.

What is herd immunity?

Serious Illness

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity happens when enough people become immune to a disease, slowing its spread. Vaccination is the safest way to achieve it, protecting both individuals and communities from severe illness and outbreaks.