A young electrician, Ben Collins, 24, was shocked to discover a lump on his back that doctors initially thought might be ringworm or an allergy to tattoo ink. The lump was found in February 2020 and resembled a “gnat bite”. Following several biopsies, a diagnosis of cancer of the lymphatic system was confirmed in March 2021. Ben, from Colchester, Essex, has since undergone seven rounds of radiotherapy to treat the lumps. His trips to Guy’s Hospital in London for treatment have cost his family around £3,000 over three years.
Despite battling the disease, Ben remains positive and aims to regain control of his life. Collaborating with the charity Young Lives vs Cancer, Ben is advocating for better financial support for travel costs for young cancer patients and their families. He highlighted the significant financial burden faced by many families due to the high cost of travel for cancer treatment.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic in February 2020, Ben noticed a lump in his right breast and another on his back, which was initially thought to be benign. However, delays due to the pandemic pushed back his appointment, and in February 2021, the lump was still present. Despite initial misdiagnoses, two biopsies in Colchester Hospital led to the lymphoma diagnosis.
Ben’s treatment journey began in June 2021 with radiotherapy sessions, which he described as daunting but ultimately effective in shrinking and eliminating the cancer cells. He has undergone a total of seven rounds of radiotherapy, requiring daily trips from Colchester to London. The charity Young Lives vs Cancer emphasises the financial strain on families, with extra costs averaging about £700 per month during treatment periods.
Despite the challenges, Ben remains determined to stay positive and has even embarked on a journey to improve his health and fitness. He completed the 2023 Ipswich Half Marathon and plans to participate in Tough Mudder this November. With support from the charity and a commitment to wellness, Ben aims to inspire others and raise awareness about lymphoma.
As Ben continues his fight against cancer and advocates for better support for young cancer patients and their families, his resilience and determination serve as an inspiration in the face of adversity.