Formerly Cancer Unwrapped, our national teen writing contest is an opportunity for teens to share their experience with cancer – whether it’s a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one.
Cancer Pathways 2025 Teen Writing Contest is now open!
See below for details about eligibility and essay guidelines, tips and tools for writing, and to read winning essays from previous years.
About our Teen Writing Contest
Learning about a cancer diagnosis – your own or that of a loved one – can cause a storm of emotions, and everyone experiences it differently. We want to know what this experience was like for you. What happened in your life, and how did it change you or your perspectives?
Over the years we have received stories of triumph and stories of great loss, stories written in times of turbulence, and stories written in times of quiet reflection. Each one has been honest, heartfelt, and unique.
We invite you to submit a short essay about your experience with cancer for the opportunity to win a $1,000 cash prize. Since the contest began in 2006, we have received more than 9,800 submissions and handed out over $300,000 in prize money to teens in 9th -12th grade.
Listen to a teen read her winning essay on our podcast:
Contest Eligibility & Guidelines
- Open to 9th-12th graders who are impacted by cancer and live in the United States.
- Essay length must not exceed 1,500 words.
- Not eligible: poems, essays about a pet, or fiction
- Essays must be original content of the author and in their own voice
- Cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded to the winners (winners will be asked to fill out a IRS W-9 form).
- Winners will be invited to a virtual celebration and asked to read their essays
Judging Process
Tips for Writing
Check out some online communities, resources, tips, and tools to help you tell your story.
Winning Essays
Every year, we read incredible stories written by teens from all over the country about their experiences with cancer. We have compiled them here to share with you.
Looking for more support?
Cancer Pathways offers an emotional support group for 9th to 12th graders, with cancer or who have a loved one with cancer.
Join us on Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm PST, starting November 18th, to build community with people who just get it.
Partners
Our $1000 cash awards are made possible through the generosity of several major donors: The Lucky Seven Foundation, Sally Nordstrom
Connect with us!
Paige Hansen-Shankar
Program Manager, Teen Writing Contest
[email protected]