We had the opportunity to speak with Therese Leijon, Secretary General of Ung Cancer, an organization based at The Park Forskaren. Ung Cancer plays a vital role in supporting young adults who have either been diagnosed with cancer or are standing by a loved one battling the disease.

Ung Cancer’s Mission
Their mission is to provide young adults, aged 16-30, with a community and network where they don’t have to feel isolated in what is often a frightening situation. Today, 4,300 young people are members of the organization, with free membership for those who need support. In Sweden, there are many research and patient organizations for cancer patients, but they often focus on either children or adults. Ung Cancer fills an important gap by offering specific support to young adults, whether they are personally affected or close to someone fighting cancer.

The Story Behind Ung Cancer
Therese explains that Ung Cancer was founded when Julia was diagnosed with cancer in her 20s, feeling completely alone among older patients without any contact with others her age. It became clear that there was a lack of support for young adults in this situation, and Ung Cancer was established with the vision that no young adult should have to face cancer alone. Even though methods have evolved, this vision remains at the heart of the organization’s work—providing support, community, and a voice to young people affected by cancer.

Support and Community
Ung Cancer works through several channels to support its members. Therese describes how the organization gives young adults a voice by allowing them to share their stories, creating a platform where they can express their experiences and learn from each other. This opportunity to be heard is an important part of both the support and advocacy work.

The organization offers both digital and physical meeting places where young adults can connect and support each other. For many members, these meetings are a sanctuary and a chance to bond with others who understand what they are going through. Additionally, they organize rehabilitation camps where young people receive help coping with life after illness or the loss of a loved one, with psychological support as a fundamental part. There’s a big difference between an older person returning to life, possibly with a family and long work experience, and a young person just starting out in life, trying to establish a career and future. Therefore, specific support tailored to young people is necessary. Ung Cancer also provides financial aid and access to psychologists for young adults with cancer and their close ones, as many young people lack the financial security that comes with a longer career.

Advocacy
Therese also highlights that Ung Cancer is engaged in advocacy work, collaborating with institutions like Karolinska Institute to ensure that the needs of young adults are included in cancer care. Currently, there are few care solutions specifically aimed at young adults, but Ung Cancer is working to change that, including through a project with Karolinska Hospital.

Challenges
Community is a central part of Ung Cancer’s work. Many young adults feel isolated, not just because of the illness but because they often end up in environments where they have little in common with other patients. One member shared her experience of lying alone and scared in the hospital next to an elderly patient who expressed a desire to die, while she herself was fighting to live. Connecting with others of the same age who are going through similar experiences can be life-changing. Members support each other by sharing experiences, from how to cope with a parent’s illness to managing the mental toll of treatment.

Therese points to two major challenges Ung Cancer faces. The first is that young adults are not recognized as a distinct group within Swedish cancer care. Once a person turns 18, they are treated as an adult, even though their needs are often different. Therefore, Ung Cancer must fight to ensure that young adults receive the support they need. The second challenge is the organization’s finances. Despite providing support to thousands of young people, Ung Cancer is a small organization with limited resources. With more financial support, they could help even more young adults in need, but currently, they are sometimes forced to turn people away due to lack of funds.

How You Can Support Ung Cancer
There are many ways to support Ung Cancer in their vital work. Therese mentions that people can participate in the Fuck Cancer run or their bracelet-making events, where Ung Cancer’s own brand, Ung Cancer’s own brand, Fuck Cancer, is used to make bracelets that are sold to support the organization. Companies can invite Ung Cancer for lectures or organize fundraising events. There are also opportunities for companies in fields such as life sciences to contribute their expertise through collaborations. Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge difference for Ung Cancer’s members.

Therese and her colleagues work tirelessly to ensure that no young adult faces cancer alone. Through their support initiatives and advocacy efforts, they are changing lives, and with the right resources, they can reach even more young people in need of help.

www.ungcancer.se
https://ungcancer.se/for-foretag/
https://ungcancer.se/jag-vill-bidra/