Children and young people with cancer must not be forgotten in the ‘war on cancer’ 

Today, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid announces a new 10 year ‘national war on cancer’, setting out his vision for England to deliver world leading cancer care as we learn to live with and beyond the COVID 19 pandemic, focussing on innovative treatment and early diagnosis to improve outcomes. This will be delivered by boosting the cancer workforce, tackling disparities, intensifying research, and tackling prevention. This announcement comes alongside a call for evidence from the sector to develop the plan to achieve these ambitions.

Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive of Young Lives vs Cancer says: 

“It’s very encouraging to hear some really positive commitments in the ‘war on cancer’ from  the Secretary of State such as a strong focus on tackling disparities and inequalities, innovative treatment and early diagnosis. 

“However, in order to truly fight cancer and all the challenges it brings, Young Lives vs Cancer believes this ‘war on cancer’ must meet the needs of all cancer patients including under 25-year-olds. Children and young people with cancer must not be forgotten, otherwise this is only a war on adult cancer.  

“A holistic approach must be taken to support young cancer patients and their families. It’s more than just the medical treatment. Social, emotional and practical support is also vital so that they can access treatment and deal with all that cancer throws at them. It means young cancer patients being allowed to have a friend or family member with them for support when they go into hospital for their treatment; being given financial help so that they afford to travel to and from hospital – because we know it’s a real struggle to find the money for petrol, train fares etc and it’s getting even harder for them with the cost-of -living crisis. We also want to see the right mental health support available for them.  

“We welcome the Government’s call for evidence which seeks input from cancer patients, relatives and NHS staff to gain the deepest understanding possible of the issues and provide the best future for the country’s cancer care. We will be working alongside young cancer patients and parents to ensure that their voices are heard as part of this.”

The hidden costs of cancer 

Cancer has a significant impact on the mental health of young cancer patients. In our 2017 Hidden Costs report, Young Lives vs Cancer found that 70% of young people reported depression, 90% loneliness and 90% experienced anxiety during treatment. The emotional impact of cancer on young cancer patients and their families has only been made worse by the strain of the pandemic. Our research during the pandemic found that on the 52% of young people felt they were not coping with the due to the strain of the COVID 19 pandemic and 46% of their parents felt the same way. 

Young Lives vs Cancer seeks to champion a collaborative approach between health and social care providers and the charity sector to ensure that young cancer patients are able to access mental health services when it is needed. Access to evidence-based mental health interventions for young cancer patients should be a core part of the support children and young people receive if needed, and provided consistently across the UK. 

Cancer Costs 

Many families find themselves plunged into debt due to the spiraling costs of cancer. Families are spending an average of £600 in additional costs per month due to their child’s cancer treatment. In order to support families, in 2021 Young Lives vs Cancer launched a Winter Emergency Grant – but this a one-off payment and not a long-term or sustainable solution. 73% of young cancer patients found applying for Personal Independence Payment stressful with assessors often lacking the understanding and knowledge required to assess the impact of their condition. Families often had a long wait before they were able to access financial support. Young cancer patients and their parents should be able to access financial support from the point of diagnosis to reduce the impact of rising costs that come with cancer. 

A Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund  

One of the biggest financial challenges faced by young cancer patients and their families are travel costs to and from hospital as services are delivered mostly at specialist centers often far from home. Young cancer patients and their families travel an average 60 miles to and from hospital for treatment. Our research in 2018 highlighted that parents can spend around £180 a month on travel a month. We’re calling for a young cancer patient travel fund in each nation to support families with these costs. In Scotland, the government launched a £5 million annual ‘Family Fund’, covering expenses for food, travel and overnight accommodation. We would very much welcome similar fund in each nation so families can get the financial support they need.