Young lives vs cancer

Systems thinking | Service design

Young Lives vs Cancer, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust.

We are working in partnership with leading cancer charities, Young Lives vs Cancer, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust to build a new evidence base looking at the needs of young cancer patients and how the current system supports them. The research will identify gaps and what needs to happen in order to build a better future for children and young people diagnosed with cancer.

 

 The need

Today, 12 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK. Many of the psychosocial needs of children and young people with cancer may not be met due to the increasing pressure being placed on the health and care sector. This needs exploring, with and for children and young people with cancer experience to ensure their voices are heard.

Our response

We are launching experience-led research with Edge Hill University, co-designed by children and young people with cancer experience, their parents and guardians and key stakeholders. The aim of the research is to improve policies and practice around cancer support. It also hopes to model equitable research practices when working with young people, particularly those with experience of cancer.

Research will be taking place throughout the first half of 2023 with initial findings expected in the autumn. Young Lives vs Cancer, Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, and Teenage Cancer Trust will be using the research findings to shape their future strategic thinking.

 
 

The work was launched January 2023 and ended in April 2024.

 For more information, contact:   Leanne Freeman