A 21-year-old whose cancer returned during lockdown says going out is just not worth the risk... despite Government guidance saying it’s safe to do so.

Michelle Rowe, was diagnosed again with blood cancer midway through lockdown, after only being given the all clear in March.

And now she has spoken out on her anxiety struggles and loneliness during the pandemic.

Michelle, who has been shielding at home with her girlfriend, parents and two older brothers, has been reliant on the kindness of others since her diagnosis.

Despite new Government guidance which means she can now go outside, Michelle has said enjoying herself outside is not worth the risk.

The 21-year-old said, from Billericay, said: “As I was still high risk after treatment, I had to self-isolate just a few days after I got the all clear in March this year, and never got the chance to properly celebrate remission.

“Just a month later my cancer returned, which has to be one of the lowest points in my life.

“Now I can’t leave the house unless it’s to go to hospital and I’ve lost count of how many months I’ve been indoors.

“I’ve had to rely more on the kindness of friends and family who have made sure I have the supplies I need to protect my physical well-being, whilst [cancer charity] Macmillan have looked out for my mental well-being with services they provide to patients struggling with the isolation, such as therapy.

“The changing shielding guidance just adds to the panic and stress that is already going on for me.

“The virus isn’t going to evaporate overnight, so I feel it’s just not worth the risk of going outside.”

Michelle’s concerns come as 500,000 people with cancer in the UK have said they are afraid to leave the house, with 270,0000 people in the UK with cancer saying they have experienced panic attacks or even suicidal thoughts because of the virus.

Macmillan is now warning of the devastating impact coronavirus is having on the physical and mental health of people with cancer.

Lynda Thomas, CEO at Macmillan, said: “For many people it is more frightening to be diagnosed with cancer now than during any other time in recent history.

“On top of the impact of a cancer diagnosis, patients now feel lost in lockdown.

“They are having to contend with the two potentially deadly Cs all at once.”