World Cancer Day: Why Life Through & Beyond Cancer Must Be a National Priority

World Cancer Day is a moment to reflect not only on cancer treatment, but on what happens during and after, and whether people are truly supported to rebuild their lives through cancer and beyond it.

The release of the National Cancer Plan marks an important shift in how cancer care is framed in the UK. For the first time in years, there is clear national recognition that the impact of cancer does not end when treatment finishes. Rehabilitation, physical recovery, return to work and long-term quality of life are now firmly part of the conversation.

At Trekstock, this has always been central to our mission.

We support people in their 20s, 30s and 40s living with, through and beyond cancer, a group often overlooked within traditional cancer services despite facing distinct physical, emotional and practical challenges. Cancer at this stage of life can disrupt careers, financial stability, relationships and identity, as well as leading to long-term physical and psychological effects that require specialist support.

Our exercise-led and holistic rehabilitation programmes are designed to help people in their 20s, 30s and 40s rebuild strength, confidence and independence, supporting not just recovery, but the ability to move forward at every stage of their cancer experience.

While we welcome the National Cancer Plan’s commitments to children and young people with cancer, it is essential that early-onset adults remain visible within national policy. Every day, 99 people in their 20s, 30s and 40s are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. This is not a niche group, and their needs require specialist, age-appropriate support.

"Cancer does not end when treatment does. For people in their 20s, 30s and 40s in particular, the long-term physical and psychological impact can shape the rest of their lives. Seeing rehabilitation and recovery recognised at a national level is so encouraging, but it is critical that these commitments translate into accessible, specialist support for our community. We are ready to work with partners across the cancer pathway to help make this happen.". Sophie Epstone MBE, Founder & CEO, Trekstock

Trekstock is committed to working collaboratively with partners across the cancer sector and within the framework of the National Cancer Plan to ensure these ambitions lead to meaningful, real-world change for everyone in our community, no matter where they are. We are also encouraged to see lived experience represented within the ministerial panel. Hearing directly from people affected by cancer, is essential to shaping services that truly meet real needs, and this is central to how we work at Trekstock with lived experience at the heart of everything we do.

To mark World Cancer Day 2026, we are also launching our Merch for Good campaign, a creative and sustainable way to fund our services and reach more young adults affected by cancer. Developed in collaboration with artists and musicians, Merch for Good has consistently helped not only raise funds, but introduced us to people who may not otherwise know that specialist support like this exists.

As cancer care continues to evolve, Trekstock will continue to advocate for equitable, long-term, age-appropriate support, ensuring that life through and beyond cancer is not an afterthought but a national priority.

Photo: Michael Meckie for Fujifilm UK 'Are You Better Yet.'