A University of Salford graduate, Seren Hughes, is part of a campaign that is helping to increase young people’s awareness of cancer symptoms.

NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have given a £40,000 funding boost towards the national charity, CATS (Cancer Awareness for Teens and Twenties) scheme where Seren has been a part of since November 2018 and is now Head of Engagement.

With cancer being less common amongst younger age groups, there is perhaps less awareness and understanding.

CATS are a unique cancer awareness service for young people as they are youth-lead and tailor their help and advice to reach out to young people in a more suitable and age-appropriate way.

Seren said: “Our advice is very informal, we have information printed on beer-mats, we do a lot of animations and make sure it is age-appropriate.”

Seren was just 19 years old and in her first year at university when she discovered she had cancer while she was studying for a degree in English Literature at Salford.

She had been feeling unwell, tired and drained and thought that she had the flu. Tests at her GP lead to her then being referred to A&E where she was afterwards diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Seren’s advice to young people who may be studying and experiencing possible symptoms is: “Make sure you’re signed up to a GP and speak to people such as well-being services, family and friends.

“I think it’s very important to have that support network around you.”

Follow @TheCATSCampaign on Twitter where you can find plenty of information on cancer symptoms awareness for young people.

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