Goodrem launches cancer website for teens

LONDON - As a teenager suffering cancer, Delta Goodrem experienced as much fear and loneliness as pain.

By launching a website today for other teenage cancer sufferers, Goodrem hopes some of the frightening and lonely moments can at least be eased a little.

The Australian singer and actress was 18 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2003 and is currently in remission but still some time away from being given the all clear.

She mixed with British teenagers today at the website launch on the banks of the River Thames in London, chatting easily about their shared experiences and fears.

"Of course, like any 18-year-old when you get diagnosed, you don't know what you're getting into, it's a really scary experience," Goodrem said.

"I often get asked to help cancer charities and of course I'm more than happy to do anything I can to help.

"But often I think what do I really think can help and a website is one way - it puts a lot of things in more simplistic terms.

"You can sit there and go 'Right, I've got a scan on Friday, what is this about?' because you just don't know, it's a whole different world you're going into.

"This website is about getting it to the patients, the people who are actually going through it.

"These kids here today are so strong and they're helping other kids be aware that there is a website where you can click on and ask questions and have things explained.

"Sometimes you don't want to hear it from a doctor, you want to do it in your own time.

"This is helping them not feel alone by having a website."

The website www.click4tic.org.uk was set up by Charity CancerBACUP which says the site is the first in the UK for teenagers with all types of cancer and is also aimed to help friends and family.

Goodrem, 20, was happy to take on an unofficial job as role model for the children.

"I can help raise awareness that there are so many people affected - it could be anybody," she said.

"And show you can survive it, not everyone's a superhuman, but we can definitely put up a good fight and be a stronger person at the end of the day."

Goodrem hoped to see a similar website take off in Australia.

"Hopefully the website can spread to other countries," she said.

"Absolutely I would love to see one in Australia."

Goodrem and the teenagers released 180 balloons over the Thames, representing the number of British teenagers diagnosed with cancer every month.

- AAP