Lived Experience - Young and Diagnosed: Episode 1 with Caitlin Carpenter & host Dr Belinda Wagner

At 24 years old, Caitlin Carpenter was building her future, studying towards her law degree, working full time and planning the next chapter of her life when everything changed with a cancer diagnosis. In this episode of Lived Experience, Caitlin shares the reality of facing Hodgkin's Lymphoma as a young adult and the profound impact it had on her education, career plans, friendships, independence and future aspirations. She speaks candidly about the isolation of watching peers move forward while life is placed on hold, navigating conversations about dating and the future, and confronting mortality at an age when most people feel invincible. The conversation explores the unique challenges younger cancer patients face, including the assumptions others make about young people with cancer, the emotional impact of disrupted life plans and the gaps that still exist in support for younger adults navigating diagnosis and treatment. Through honesty, humour and remarkable resilience, Caitlin offers valuable insight into what it means to be young and diagnosed, reminding us that cancer does not only affect health. It changes timelines, expectations and the future we imagine for ourselves. Lived Experience is a podcast series by Living with Cancer SA, sharing the authentic voices of patients, survivors and caregivers to create greater understanding, connection and hope.