What does it mean?

• You may struggle to find a purpose and meaning in this experience – what upside could there possibly be? It's pretty normal to start doubting what you believe in, when everything feels so unfair.

• However, you may actually strengthen your spiritual beliefs and develop a greater level of faith or a more profound appreciation of life.

• This can be in the form of traditional religion or it may be in other types of belief or spirituality.

If religion has played a big part in your life

• Then it can provide you with a lot of comfort and security as you deal with this.

• However, be prepared for your faith to be tested – you may now start to question God, be very angry and look at your religious beliefs more closely.

• It's pretty common for young people to do this anyway – it’s just that this may change the focus or make it more significant.

• This might cause some conflicts at home if you no longer want to participate in the customs and rituals of your family’s religion.

If religion hasn't played a big part in your life

• You might be surprised to find that you are drawn towards some sort of formal religion.

• If this gives you support and helps you deal with what you're feeling then it can be a very positive thing.

• Even if you are not into traditional religion you might find that you develop an interest in other beliefs and types of spirituality.

• Often it’s a way to feel like you can get some answers or find some sort of meaning in what is otherwise just a really unfair and awful situation.

A new outlook?

• Experiencing something like cancer can encourage you to pay more attention to your goals, values and what matters most to you.

• You may feel that this experience has given you an understanding of complex issues that’s way more mature than your peers. 

• It’s almost like this experience of cancer becomes a motive to promote positive change.

Maybe not

• Or maybe you don't feel like you've learned or gained anything from it, and that's okay too. 

• You may come out the other end of this and still be exactly the same, faults and all. 

• Don't feel pressured to be anything other than you.