Joint Young Lives vs Cancer and CCLG Response to UK Government re-commitment to National Cancer Plan and launch of call for evidence

Today on World Cancer Day (Tuesday 4 February) the UK Government have re-confirmed it’s commitment to delivering a National Cancer Plan for England and launched a call for evidence to inform the upcoming Plan. The National Cancer Plan was previously announced in October, with the UK Government confirming the Plan would follow the 10-Year Plan for Health being published in Spring 2025.  

Importantly, today’s announcement includes the commitment that children and young people (under 25s) with cancer will be a focus of the UK Government’s Plan, alongside re-launching the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce – pivotal steps welcomed together by Young Lives vs Cancer and Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). With cancer still the biggest killer by disease of children and young people in the UK, and the unique experiences and impacts of cancer in this age group compared to older adults, it’s crucial they receive distinct recognition and actions after historically being overlooked in national strategies.  

In response to the announcement: 

Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer said: “Every day Young Lives vs Cancer see the stress, strain and disruption that cancer brings to children, young people, and their families. It’s more than medical – it rips through every aspect of daily life, brings unjust financial costs and unimaginable emotional challenges, none of which end just because the treatment does. 

“I’m really pleased that the National Cancer Plan is set to reflect children and young people specifically, because having cancer when you’re young brings a distinct set of challenges, medically and holistically, that can’t be tackled in the same was as for older adults. I hope that when developed, the Plan sets us on a path to transform outcomes and experiences of all young cancer patients.  

“To truly achieve this, we need to work together as a sector, as a system, and as a society. As well as delivering the world-class clinical care they need, we need to address the practical, financial and emotional impacts children, young people and their families face, ensuring that every child and young person can live well, with the best possible long-term wellbeing. The Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce brings a further opportunity to take this holistic approach, in collaboration with the expertise of the third sector and with the diverse voices and needs of those with lived experience at the heart of this work.  

“Together with CCLG, we’ve developed a cancer plan that supports children and young people’s holistic needs, and together with our charity partners, we’re ready to work with the UK Government to deliver on the priorities and changes they need to see.” 

Ashley Ball-Gamble, Chief Executive at CCLG said: “It’s clear that countries with long-term cancer strategies are more effective in improving outcomes for patients. Today’s re-commitment to delivering a National Cancer Plan is a much-welcomed step towards a better future for those living with cancer.  

“The Plan offers an unmissable opportunity to set an ambitious direction for children and young people’s cancer care, and the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce will be all-important in bringing key partners together to drive the focus they need. I hope that in collaboration across the system and cancer sector, we see a Plan that really delivers for young cancer patients – from timely diagnosis, world-leading treatment, transformative research and everything in between and beyond.  

“A lot of work has already been done by CCLG and Young Lives vs Cancer, our partners and our clinical colleagues, to outline the vision and system change needed to deliver quality cancer care and support for children and young people. Now is the time to make it happen.” 

Together, CCLG and Young Lives vs Cancer developed and published a Children and Young People’s Cancer Plan which outlines the key priority areas that if addressed and implemented, would improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people with cancer. The charities will work together to make representations to the Department for Health and Social Care’s call for evidence to ensure the needs and experiences of children and young people with cancer are represented.  

We look forward to continuing regular discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care as the National Cancer Plan is developed. We stand ready to support the work of the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce and continue working in partnership to deliver the strategy and change needed for young cancer patients.  

For any media enquiries, contact the Young Lives vs Cancer media team on: mediarelations@younglivesvscancer.org.uk or 0844 848 1189