A woman has bravely recounted her health journey after being diagnosed with cancer at just 14 years old. Claire was a teenager when a single warning sign uncovered devastating news about her wellbeing.

She revealed how she was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer that originated in her face before progressing to stage 4 in her lungs. This form of cancer develops from primitive muscle tissue, frequently affecting the head, neck or genitourinary tract, and predominantly strikes infants and young children. Now Claire has spoken about her experience in an Instagram Q&A with Cancer Research UK, where she serves on their Children and Young People Insights Panel.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) represents the most prevalent form of rhabdomyosarcoma, though it is an aggressive tumour that demonstrates positive responses to multi-modal treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

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With survival rates improving, Claire has shared details of her condition following her diagnosis at 14.

When questioned about her diagnosis, she explained: "So the treatment for that cancer was incredibly intensive, a year's worth of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy to my face and chest.

"At age 32, I had some concerning symptoms and subsequently received the diagnosis of breast cancer."

Now serving on Cancer Research UK's Children and Young People's Panel, Claire feels empowered to contribute her perspective on groundbreaking research and treatment approaches for childhood cancers. She added: "It's wonderful to see how the side effects of treatment and quality of life is considered.

"It's not just about surviving cancer, it's about thriving, really, after a cancer diagnosis that the charity is placing at the forefront of what it aims to do. And being able to share my voice and ideas around those research strategies and developments is incredible."

Rhabdomyosarcoma predominantly affects children and teenagers, though it's uncommon in adults.

According to Cancer Research, there are 3 types of the condition:

• Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma


• Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma


• Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma

Knowing the type of rhabdomyosarcoma can help decide on the best treatment for you which ranges from surgery to chemotherapy.

It can occur in the head and neck region, although the bladder or genital area is common.

Cancer Research UK states: "Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. It is a type of cancer.

"It develops from skeletal (striated) muscle cells. This is the type of muscle that you can control (voluntary muscle)."

It also adds: "Coping with a diagnosis of a rare cancer can be especially difficult.

"Knowing more about your sarcoma and its treatment can make it easier. It can help you to make decisions and cope with what happens."

If you're ever worried about any signs or symptoms, the best thing to do is book an appointment with your doctor. They can then refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis. For more information, visit Cancer Research UK.