Research

We conduct research to drive improvements in the lives of children and young people with cancer and their loved ones.

Working alongside them, we combine their experiences with research, data and deep systems insight to build a comprehensive picture of what matters most, where improvements are needed and how lasting change can be achieved.

We use this evidence to influence policy and practice, develop and test solutions, and bring people together to make change happen.

Scroll down to learn more about our research, or explore opportunities to partner with us, support our research through funding, or collaborate with us on projects that build evidence and improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer and their loved ones.

Our latest research: The cost of waiting

Our latest piece of research explores the experiences of children and young people with cancer and their families as they navigate the process of claiming disability benefits following their diagnosis.

The impact of cancer on young lives is far more than medical. With it, comes a hidden and often devastating financial burden that many do not see or expect.

While disability benefits are meant to help with these additional costs, our research found that many children and young people with cancer and their families are left waiting significant periods, for support they desperately need.

The cost of waiting, March 2025

Research we support

As well as carrying out our own research, we also support projects, and work in partnership on projects that seek to understand and address the impact a cancer diagnosis has on children, young people and their loved ones.

We listen to and work alongside children and young people with cancer and their loved ones, ensuring their experiences and priorities shape our work.

We can:

Share research opportunities with young people and families we support and those living in survivorship.
Offer information and guidance on conducting research with young cancer patients and their loved ones
Involve and engage young cancer patients and their loved ones in research through our Voice Hub

We are also working to make research insights from the health, care, and wellbeing data we collect more accessible. We are creating a new initiative – the Centre for Data and Insight- to unlock the power of data collected through Young Lives vs Cancer’s direct work with children and young people with cancer, and their loved ones. The Centre will help generate research insights into their experiences and drive change – improving cancer care and support and reducing inequalities.

If you’d like Young Lives vs Cancer to consider supporting a research project, or would like to discuss a potential research partnership or opportunity to fund research at Young Lives vs Cancer, including collaboration on external research funding opportunities, please complete our external research request form. You can also reach out to us at research@younglivesvscancer.org.uk.

Young Lives vs Cancer has an internal processes for Research Governance and Information Governance, through which we review all plans for research (whether we are leading them, or collaborating as a partner) to ensure compliance with regulations and to promote the highest standards of research integrity

In the decisions we make we will always be guided by our responsibilities for the data we hold, and the best interests of children and young people with cancer

You can find out more about how we manage data in research here