Life after cancer

Series

Panels 1 and 2 of a four-panel comic, drawn digitally. In panel 1, a white man with a moustache, corduroy trousers and a plaid shirt wears a bright orange helmet and a smile as he leaps into the air on a skateboard. The caption text reads "You'd think having cancer..." In panel 2, the man is shown leaping from an aeroplane with a parachute backpack, goggles and a terrified expression. The caption text reads "would give you a new lease of life..."

Adrenaline. © Alex Brenchley for Wellcome Collection.

In the ‘Life after cancer’ series of cartoons, Alex Brenchley humorously illustrates what life can be like for a young adult after cancer treatment has finished. Many people may go on to live long cancer-free lives, but it’s not quite as simple as that, and there can be many repercussions for the mind and body.

Comic

Paranoia Enjoyer

Even after successful treatment, the physical and mental effects of cancer can continue in many unforeseen ways.

Comic

Standing Up

The collateral damage of cancer treatment extends to all activities, including a night of live entertainment.

Comic

Bestseller

Writing can be a way of keeping fit too.

Comic

Adrenaline

Surviving cancer doesn’t always mean you have to live each second like it’s your last.

Comic

Scanxiety

‘Scanxiety’ is a well-known term in the cancer community for all the feelings associated with follow-up scans. These feelings can last for days or even weeks before *and* after the scan is over.

Comic

Direct Response

All people handle conversations around cancer differently. There’s no ‘right’ way to do it, but talking openly can be a big help.

Comic

Pop Up

Being successfully treated for one type of cancer doesn’t always stop the brain from finding other cancers to worry about…

Comic

Still Human

It’s frustratingly easy to trick yourself into thinking you’re simply going to bounce back with 100 per cent health once your cancer treatment is over.

Comic

Everyone's a Critic

If the bowel doesn’t return to its usual habits after cancer treatment, navigating a social life becomes also about finding places to eat where you feel (literally) catered for.

Comic

Translation

It can be OK to ask a direct question… sometimes skirting around the topic of cancer can make it the elephant in the room that hangs around awkwardly.

Comic

Holiday Plans

Many people were desperate to travel abroad once the lockdowns were over, yet there are still plenty who are still waiting for that opportunity.

Comic

All About Cancer

Once you’ve had cancer, it’s easy to forget who you were before, but please remember: it does not define you, and *you’re* the one in charge of talking about it as much or as little as you like.