Scottish Government commit to a refreshed Cancer Strategy for children and young people 

Today, Scottish Government announced they will create a refreshed Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People.

The commitment follows campaigning from Young Lives vs Cancer to continue the dedicated approach to children and young people’s cancer care, which were central to the charity’s manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections.  

Scotland is currently the only UK nation with a dedicated cancer strategy specifically for children and young people and with the current strategy due to reach the end of its lifecycle in 2026, we’ve been calling for a renewed commitment to ensure children and young people don’t lose the focus and support that a dedicated national strategy brings. 

The announcement was made during a Scottish Parliament debate to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, led by Jackie Baillie MSP and supported by members from all political parties. The debate highlighted the experiences of children and young people with cancer and the importance of ensuring their needs remain a priority. 

Every year, around 320 children and young people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer. Their experiences differ significantly from those of older adults; their cancers are biologically different, treatment often lasts longer and comes at an important developmental stage in life, and they face unique long-term effects. The financial impact is particularly stark, especially the cost of travelling regular, long distances to the three Principal Treatment Centres in Scotland, or into England. 

Rachel Kirby-Rider Chief Executive of Young Lives vs Cancer, says: “Today’s announcement of the Scottish Government’s commitment to a refreshed Cancer Strategy for children and young people is fantastic news. Facing cancer as a child or young person brings many complex issues and challenges so having a dedicated government strategy is key. 

“As work begins on developing the strategy, it’s crucial that Scottish Government are ambitious and forward thinking in their commitments and to truly transform the future of cancer care and support, it needs to go further than before. It must address the practical and financial impacts of cancer, and provide support for the costs of travelling to treatment, by expanding access to the Young Patient Family Fund. 

“I welcome the commitment today that the Scottish Government will be engaging with the third sector, and children and young people with cancer and their families while they create the new strategy. We are ready to work with Scottish Government, NHS and colleagues across the cancer sector to ensure the strategy is shaped to meet all the needs of children and young people with cancer and their families.”