Living with incurable cancer
Last updated: 24 September 2026
The Shine Circles online programme gives you the opportunity to join a small group of young adults with cancer who meet up once a week for six weeks (for 2 hours at a time).
Each group is limited to 12 participants and every week we’ll discuss a different topic. There will also be plenty of time to get to know one another and to share your experiences. We also run a Plus Ones Circle programme for the partners of young adults with an incurable cancer diagnosis. To learn more about this programme, click here.
You are eligible for this online programme if:
- you have not done an online programme or Shake Up Max before
- you are currently aged 20-49
- you were diagnosed with incurable cancer after the age of 18.
Our next Circles programme will run on Friday mornings (10.30-12.30pm) from 22nd Jan – 5th March 2027 (with a break on 19th Feb). Applications for this programme are open now and close on 11th December 2026.
About the programme
We know that being a young adult with cancer can be lonely, and it’s even more difficult if you’ve been given an incurable or chronic diagnosis. Many people tell us that their friends and family struggle to understand that there is no “end” of treatment, for example.
We’d like to offer this programme to as many people as possible who haven’t already accessed similar support. It’s not open to people who have already been on a Great Escape in person, or if you’ve been a part of our Break Out programme online.
How does it work?
We’ll meet online once a week for 2 hours. Each week, we’ll spend some time chatting, and discussing different topics, but there will be a lot of time for informal discussion as well. Topics include things like managing uncertainty, how relationships can change and telling your story. We always make time to chat and for you to get to know the other participants.
When is it?
Our next Circles programme will run on Friday mornings (10.30-12.30pm) from 22nd Jan – 5th March 2027 (with a break on 19th Feb)
How much does it cost?
It’s free! We do ask that you don’t apply unless you can commit to attending every week as we would really like the groups to get a chance to know each member. We do ask for a £50 deposit which is returned at the end of the programme. This is just to confirm your place. If you’re short on cash at the moment, don’t let that put you off – we can offer bursaries. Just let us know.
Questions?
Drop us a line at hi@shinecancersupport.org and we’ll get back to you asap.
Experiences of the programme
Theodora’s experience of the Circles programme
I was 35 when I was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumour in June 2022. I decided to sign up for the Circles Programme because I wanted to meet other people my own age who would really understand my situation – I’d found having cancer lonely as a young person. I’d previously been to an in-person Shine meet-up and had used the Shine website a lot, all of which had made me feel better, supported and heard, so I thought the programme was worth a shot.
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I really enjoyed the programme. It approached all topics with sensitivity and understanding, and our facilitators were welcoming and kind. Getting to know other people with incurable cancer was the most useful part of the course for me – we had so much in common through our experiences and how we felt about things, which was so helpful. The content of the course also allowed me to reflect on what I’d been through and continue to go through, and definitely helped me come to terms with my life with cancer. My new friends will stay with me, one of whom I now speak to every few days.
If someone was thinking of applying but as feeling nervous, I would say please don’t be nervous – the course will never force you to speak up if you wish to stay quiet, it won’t require you to part with private information, and it won’t make you feel uncomfortable. I was worried I might find other people’s stories of cancer extremely upsetting, and although it was tough seeing other people battling cancer, it was comforting knowing I wasn’t the only one. I learned a lot from meeting the others – they taught me to live my life now, in the present, regardless of what is going to happen in the future. I would encourage everyone to give it a go – it might just be exactly what you need. You will learn about yourself, other people and give you a focus. What do have to lose?
Paul’s experience of the Circles programme
Talking cancer with others who have cancer is very different. Knowing that they have shared similar experiences helps in that you don’t need to explain everything. The Circles programme allowed me to compartmentalise my cancer to the weekly session when I had two hours with like-minded people. Come the end of the session, I could park my worries for a little while.
Lee’s experience of the Circles programme
I never expected to make friends with anyone through attending Circles programme, but I have actually come away with a very good friend. We’ve both had the same type of cancer which I think encouraged us to chat a little more. I was a few months ahead in the process so I’ve been able to offer some advice on what has and hasn’t worked for me and in the months after the programme our friendship has grown. We now speak most days and support and champion each other throughout life.
Elisabeth’s experience of the Circles programme
I was 33 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 bile duct cancer (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). Due to the amount of disease in my liver, I’m unfortunately not a candidate for surgery, which is currently the only cure for this cancer.
I decided to sign up for the Circles programme towards the end of finishing my first treatment program of chemotherapy. When I was first diagnosed and going through the initial tough treatment, I didn’t feel ready to be a part of a support group. But when I was finishing chemo and transitioning to further maintenance therapy, I started to really struggle mentally with the idea of living with an incurable cancer long term, especially as a young person.
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I found out about Shine from some other local cancer charities. While there were support groups for all ages and for more common cancers, Shine really stood out as a unique charity focusing on young people. I was really happy to find the Circles programme because it sounded like the perfect fit for what I was going through, though I was a little nervous that I might get upset hearing others’ stories. Some sessions or moments could be more intense and emotive, but we really learned to empathise and listen to others, and it always felt like a safe space to share even some of those more dark or personal thoughts that you might not want to share with family and friends.
I really appreciated the format and themes of the sessions, and found the topics so relatable. The sessions were structured with presentations on different topics and breakout rooms to discuss them in more detail, and this really allowed me the space to process my thoughts and feelings on everything I was going through. It was so incredible to meet young people with incurable cancer who really “get it”. I found myself constantly nodding along and agreeing with what others were saying.
The programme and facilitators are amazing and there is absolutely no pressure during the sessions. You can share however much or little you want, and if one week you’re feeling off and just want to listen and talk a little, that’s totally fine! To anyone considering the programme, I cannot recommend it enough. It far exceeded my expectations and my only complaint was that I wish it continued even longer! But I did meet some amazing people that I have stayed in touch with, and hopefully I’ll try to attend more Shine events in the future.