A university student from Bushey Heath has contributed to a new guide to help people with cancer cope with their diagnosis.

Natalia Bartolome, 20, in High Road, Bushey Heath, was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of 20 has written in the Young Person's Guide to Lymphoma - created by national cancer charity the Lymphoma Association.

Lymphatic cancer or lymphoma is the most common cancer in 15 to 24 year olds and the guide explains the type of cancer, the treatment and possible side effects.

Miss Bartolome, who is studying at St Andrew's University, in Scotland, said: "I decided to get involved in the Young Person's Guide to Lymphoma project because having been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and being utterly confused on the entire situation, I found the Lymphoma Association information booklets really insightful.

"Unlike the internet and various blogs, the information provided was clear, reassuring, to the point, informative and approachable for young sufferers like myself.

"I wanted to ensure that other cancer patients received the same useful information in a vibrant and friendly way, enabling all to talk about lymphoma without fear, whilst understanding the journey that cancer ultimately forces one to face."

The guide also looks at coping with feelings and has easy to understand illustrations to help explain complex information.

It is intended as a resource for young people to use from diagnosis through treatment and beyond and includes space for patients to write down any questions, notes and reminders.

Jonathan Pearce, chief executive of the Lymphoma Association, said: "This new booklet is a valuable tool for any young lymphoma patient, or any health professional working with young lymphoma patients, to help support them through their cancer diagnosis, treatment and after care.

"Receiving a lymphoma diagnosis at a young age can be devastating. This booklet encourages young people to be informed about their illness and its treatment as well as empower them to ask questions, make notes and share the guide with their loved ones.

"It was developed with the help of nine young people, all of whom have had a lymphoma diagnosis. Their input ensured that the guide, from the very first page, was written with young people in mind."

The booklet is available from the Lymphoma Association’s website.