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Life After Cancer

  • Series
Panels 1 and 2 of a four-panel comic, drawn digitally. In panel 1, a white man with a moustache, corduroy trousers and a plaid shirt wears a bright orange helmet and a smile as he leaps into the air on a skateboard. The caption text reads "You'd think having cancer..." In panel 2, the man is shown leaping from an aeroplane with a parachute backpack, goggles and a terrified expression. The caption text reads "would give you a new lease of life..."
Adrenaline. © Alex Brenchley for Wellcome Collection.

In the ‘Life After Cancer’ series of cartoons, Alex Brenchley humorously illustrates what life can be like for a young adult after cancer treatment has finished. Many people may go on to live long cancer-free lives, but it’s not quite as simple as that, and there can be many repercussions for the mind and body.

  • Comic
Paranoia Enjoyer

Even after successful treatment, the physical and mental effects of cancer can continue in many unforeseen ways.

  • Comic
Standing Up

The collateral damage of cancer treatment extends to all activities, including a night of live entertainment.

  • Comic
Bestseller

Writing can be a way of keeping fit too.

  • Comic
Adrenaline

Surviving cancer doesn’t always mean you have to live each second like it’s your last.

  • Comic
Scanxiety

‘Scanxiety’ is a well-known term in the cancer community for all the feelings associated with follow-up scans. These feelings can last for days or even weeks before *and* after the scan is over.

  • Comic
Direct Response

All people handle conversations around cancer differently. There’s no ‘right’ way to do it, but talking openly can be a big help.

  • Comic
Pop Up

Being successfully treated for one type of cancer doesn’t always stop the brain from finding other cancers to worry about…

  • Comic
Still Human

It’s frustratingly easy to trick yourself into thinking you’re simply going to bounce back with 100 per cent health once your cancer treatment is over.

  • Comic
Everyone's a Critic

If the bowel doesn’t return to its usual habits after cancer treatment, navigating a social life becomes also about finding places to eat where you feel (literally) catered for.

About the artist

Alex Brenchley

Alex Brenchley is an artist and cartoonist based in London. His work has been published by the BBC, the NHS, Literary Review, Tinpot Records, Universal Records, and The New Statesman magazine has featured his ‘This England’ cartoon series in every issue since February 2017. Alex was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in his 30s and, following a year of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgeries, he is currently in remission.