Electrician Campaigns for Support After Cancer Diagnosis

Ben Collins, a 24-year-old electrician from Colchester, Essex, discovered a lump on his back in February 2020, which was initially misdiagnosed as ringworm or an allergic reaction to tattoos. After several biopsies, he was diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma in March 2021, a cancer of the lymphatic system. He has undergone seven rounds of radiotherapy, costing his family around £3,000 for travel to Guy’s Hospital in London over three years. Currently on an observation period, Collins has found new lumps on his lower back and is advocating for better financial support for young cancer patients and their families, highlighting the significant travel costs associated with treatment. He emphasizes that many families struggle to afford travel to specialist hospitals, especially amid rising living costs. Collins's experience sheds light on the need for improved healthcare support for young cancer patients in the UK.