An electrician from Colchester, Essex, Ben Collins, initially sought medical advice for an itchy lump on his back that resembled a gnat bite. Initially dismissed as ringworm or a tattoo ink allergy, the lump turned out to be cancer. Following multiple biopsies, Ben was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in March 2021.
Since the diagnosis, Ben has undergone seven rounds of radiotherapy at Guy’s Hospital in London. However, the financial burden of travelling to and from the hospital has cost Ben and his family around £3,000 over a three-year period. Despite currently being on an observation period and discovering new lumps on his lower back, Ben remains positive and determined to “get (his) life back.”
Advocating for better financial support for young people with cancer and their families, Ben, alongside the charity Young Lives vs Cancer, highlights the substantial costs young cancer patients and their families incur during treatment. Ben emphasised the challenges faced by many families who struggle to afford travel costs to access essential cancer treatment.
Ben’s journey began in February 2020 when a lump in his right breast, initially thought to be benign, was later diagnosed as a fatty lump. Subsequently, the discovery of a lump on his back led to a delay in his dermatology appointment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ultimately resulting in his lymphoma diagnosis.
Expressing his shock at the diagnosis, the young electrician recounted the emotional journey of confronting cancer at a young age. Despite the daunting experience of radiotherapy treatment, Ben remained resilient and positive, emphasising the importance of raising awareness of lymphoma and advocating for increased support for cancer patients and their families.
Young Lives vs Cancer has been instrumental in providing financial grants and support to individuals like Ben, offering assistance with additional costs incurred during cancer treatment. The charity’s call for the government to introduce a £10 million Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund aims to alleviate the financial strain on young cancer patients and their families, enabling access to vital treatment without financial hardship.
Looking towards the future and with a determination to achieve his goals, Ben remains committed to raising awareness of lymphoma and emphasising the need for improved support for young cancer patients. Through his perseverance and the support of organisations like Young Lives vs Cancer, Ben continues to navigate his cancer journey with courage and resilience, inspiring those around him with his unwavering positivity and strength.