An 21-year old from south London who lost his left eye at the age of two due to cancer and has since battled the illness three more times is campaigning to help other young cancer survivors dealing with body image issues writes Jessica Khan...
Freddie Debenham, 21, from Gipsy Hill, is backing Teenage Cancer Trust’s #StillMe campaign, which highlights the toll cancer takes on body image, self-esteem, and mental health.
Debenham was first diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma behind his left eye at the age of two and has since battled multiple tumours. He finally had his left eye removed in 2023 after an aggressive tumour developed behind it.
“Cancer has changed my appearance but also made me who I am today,” said Debenham. “Recently, a child looked at where my eye used to be, then ran away…but it’s fine.
“My advice would be to not judge, rather try and embrace people’s natural inquisitiveness and smile.”
The charity’s #StillMe campaign encourages young people with cancer to share their stories and coping strategies, aiming to improve emotional support around body image issues.
“Cancer can make you feel isolated, but joining Teenage Cancer Trust social events such as axe-throwing and ping-pong have been a brilliant way of connecting and making friends with people who have been through similar experiences,” said Debenham.
Teenager Cancer Trust supports people aged 13-24. They advocate for better mental health support for young people struggling with the changes that cancer brings to their lives.
“We know that changes to appearance caused by cancer and treatment can have a huge impact on the mental health of young people – often causing anxiety or leading to a loss of confidence – and in some cases young people isolating themselves or hiding themselves away – yet this impact is often overlooked,” said Dr Louise Soanes, Chief Nurse at Teenager Cancer trust.
Research reveals that 56% of young people who have experienced cancer struggle to accept changes to their appearance caused by the disease and treatment. Despite this, nearly a third say they did not receive any support or information on body image or self-esteem during treatment.
“We believe that in every UK nation, every teenager and young adult with cancer should be able to access expert psychological support from a trained psychologist from the point of diagnosis and for a minimum of two years post-treatment. Because no young person should be left to suffer alone,” said Soanes.
Freddie Debenham is now in remission and studying architecture at Canterbury University. He hopes his story encourages others to stay positive despite the challenges.
“It’s tough but try to stay positive. Cancer shouldn’t stop you from living your life,” said Debenham.
