Cork teen shares cancer story
A Cork teenager who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 12 months old has shared her story in a new book.
The book, ‘Bad Times, Good Times - Teenage Cancer, Our Story’ tells 30 stories by 30 teenagers who are living with or have lived with cancer.
The launch marks the 35 year anniversary of CanTeen Ireland, the national support group for young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years who have or had cancer.
Cork survivor, Erin Feagan (19), is one of the 30 brave contributors to the book.
Having been diagnosed at just one year old, Erin underwent over a year of scans, tests, and MRIs, which ultimately showed growth in the tumour. She had her first surgery aged two and a half.
About 30% of the tumour was removed in the surgery and, following a biopsy, doctors diagnosed Erin with Pilocytic Astrocytoma, a typically slow-growing tumour that appears mostly in children.
Following her first surgery, Erin’s tumour continued to grow, more aggressively this time, and she had to go back for more surgeries.
As a result of her battle with cancer, Erin now uses a rollator and a wheelchair because her balance never returned fully. Erin is still living with the effects of her cancer.
‘Bad Times, Good Times - Teenage Cancer, Our Story’ contains some of CanTeen’s members’ personal experiences and how they are getting on with life now. It aims to help teenagers with cancer to remind them that they are not alone. Each chapter has a unique title and tells a unique and personal story.
CanTeen Manager of Services, Evelyn Griffith, said at the launch: “We are deeply grateful to our members for courageously sharing their stories and experiences of living with cancer. Their voices bring strength, hope, and authenticity to every page.”
In Ireland, there are on average 369 new cases of cancer diagnosed per year, according to figures acquired by CanTenn Ireland. While incidence rates are low, they have increased over the past 20 years. With scientific advancements, better medical treatments, and early detection, the survival rate is positive and has increased to almost 90% in 16 to 24 year olds over the past ten years.
Founded in 1990 by a dedicated group of health care professionals, CanTeen supports, develops, and empowers young people with cancer. CanTeen currently has 250 members across Ireland and regularly arranges meet-ups, weekends away, drama sessions and much more.
‘Bad Times, Good Times - Teenage Cancer, Our Story’ is available to all members of CanTeen Ireland. For more information on CanTeen, visit canteen.ie or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.