Aged just 17, Ediz Babacan was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. At 27 he is cancer-free and advocating enhanced services for adolescents and young adults who have the disease.
Mr Babacan was in year 12 when doctors advised him to defer his studies, but he was determined to graduate with his friends.
Fast-forward 10 years and the Glenroy resident is a commerce graduate, working as a senior business analyst and sitting on the Vic/Tas Youth Cancer Advisory Board to raise awareness of support networks available to young patients.
He says young patients need “softer” help in addition to medical support and treatment.
Mr Babacan says “psycho-social” support is essential, but most people are unable to get it because information about available services and networks is not widespread.
“You expect your oncologist to know everything because they’re your doctor,” he said. “But if they’re not aware of what’s available out there, how will they direct you?”
He advises young people to seek help and contact cancer services, especially ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, which specialises in services and support for people aged 15 to 25.
“You’re not the only one going through this, even though I know it feels like that,” he said.
“There’s a lot of youth social workers, careers advisers and fertility support for cancer patients. I don’t think people are aware of it, but they do exist.”
ONTrac: 9656 1744. To donate: foundation.petermac.org/donate-to-petermac
