A new term of Scottish Parliament has begun, bringing an opportunity for Scottish Government to prioritise the needs of children and young people with cancer.
Having cancer at a young age is different and the impact is unique, and long lasting. And we hear the challenges that children, young people and families experience loud and clear every day.
That’s why, as charities supporting children and young people with cancer in Scotland, we’re standing together to ask the First Minister and Health Secretary to work with us to build a better system of care and support.
Will you stand with us and show your support for children and young people with cancer in Scotland by adding your name to our letter?
- Click here to read our letter
Dear First Minister and Health Secretary,
Congratulations on your election.
We know as parliament gets underway, you’ll have many priorities to address, but together as leading cancer charities and alongside our supporters, we’re asking that you stand with us and prioritise the needs of the around 320 children and young people (under 25) diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland, and many more living with the long-term, life changing impacts.
Having cancer at a young age is different than as an adult. It’s less common and treated differently. Treatment can last multiple years requiring long-term support, and usually, treatment is given in specialist centres, far from home, and which in some cases requires receiving treatment outside of Scotland.
The impact on children, young people and their families is unique and touches every aspect of their lives; from missing education or giving up work to social lives put on pause. It’s well evidenced that they can experience poorer quality of life, and survivors are more likely to suffer chronic illness, mental health problems, unemployment and relationship difficulties - yet after treatment ends, support can disappear leaving young cancer patients and families feeling lost and alone. They also often face unacceptable delays in diagnosis, and difficulties accessing clinical trials, which are key to improving outcomes.
The additional costs of cancer quickly add up to an average £700 extra every month when household income is dwindling, with the biggest cost simply for travelling to treatment, causing long-term financial difficulties.
With a new parliament comes an incredible opportunity to make transformational change, and we’re ready to work with you to make it happen. Scotland’s Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People is coming to an end this year, and together, we need to take this chance to go further than ever before for children and young people with cancer. A new strategy, created in partnership with children, young people, families and the third sector, is essential to address their distinct needs, and deliver the support needed during and beyond treatment.
We also know that the cost of travelling to treatment is a key issue for young cancer patients. The Young Patient Family Fund in Scotland has been transformational for families whose children are staying in hospital overnight, but for those receiving day patient treatment, and young people aged 18-25 receiving and travelling for the same treatment, the Fund is unavailable. Alongside a new Children and Young People’s Cancer Strategy, the expansion of the Fund to include all under-25s receiving cancer treatment is vital.
Together, we’re ready to work with you to transform experiences and outcomes for all, and create a future where all children and young people with cancer get the dedicated support and focus they need and deserve.
We look forward to working with you.
With best wishes,