Early-onset colorectal cancer is no longer rare, yet many young Australians continue to believe serious illness is something that happens later in life. This presentation brings the lived experience behind that growing statistic.
Drawing on lived experience of being diagnosed with testicular cancer at 21 and bowel cancer at 26, this presentation explores what it means to navigate cancer as a young adult and why age can become one of the biggest barriers to early detection. It reflects on the assumptions, fears and misconceptions that often lead young people to dismiss symptoms, delay seeking medical advice and believe they have time.
Rather than focusing solely on the clinical journey, this presentation offers insight into the person behind the diagnosis. It highlights the emotional, behavioural and practical realities of experiencing cancer during early adulthood, and the responsibility we all share in creating a culture where young people feel empowered to take their health seriously.
This experience ultimately led to the establishment of 25 Stay Alive, a charity dedicated to empowering young Australians to take ownership of their health through prevention, early detection and action. Its mission is to help young Australians better understand their bodies, recognise when something isn’t right, feel confident seeking medical advice, and take action early.
While advances in research, diagnostics and treatment continue to improve outcomes, prevention and early detection begin long before someone enters a clinic. By sharing the lived experience behind the diagnosis, this presentation aims to complement the clinical perspectives within this session and reinforce a simple message: you’re never too young to take your health seriously, and acting early can change everything.