Young cancer survivor faces hidden costs of preserving future family dreams

Tom Stott discovered a concerning lump during his sixth-form studies (while dreaming about RAF career) The discovery led to a life-altering diagnosis: testicular cancer at just seventeen years old.

The medical team rushed him into discussions about fertility preservation - something no teen expects to face. “I was sitting in a fertility clinic with my dad just a week after diagnosis; everything felt un-real“ His thoughts were focused on survival rather than future planning or costs

The treatment journey wasnt easy: first came chemo at a teen-friendly ward in Nottinghamʼs City Hospital (which had a common room and take-out food options); then about 3 years later another tumor appeared in his pelvis This time he ended up at an adult ward - quite different from his first experience

A shock came when he got a £200 bill for sperm storage; no warning no previous info just a pay-or-else notice The bill arrived while he was working his first post-cancer job: it wasnt just about money but about facing his past again

• Different UK regions have different storage funding rules
• Annual fees can reach £350
• Storage periods vary from 5 to 10 years
• IVF costs arent always NHS-funded

Today Tom works as a regional account manager for marine equipment - a career path far from his original RAF plans Heʼs in a long-term relationship thats weathered many ups-and-downs including tough talks about future family planning

His advocacy work helped create change: the hospital now sends two-year warning letters about storage fees But he believes more needs to happen - young cancer survivors shouldnt pay extra for keeping their family dreams alive; its a cost that comes after theyʼve already fought so hard