Young cancer victims losing out

Speaking at a national conference organised by the NHS National Cancer Action Team, the CLIC Sargent’s director of services Geoff Thaxter, told Cancer Network representatives that 70% of young people with cancer are still not receiving the care they need because of a shortage of specialist beds and staff.

Guidance published last year by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Improving Outcomes for Children and Young People with Cancer, recommended that Cancer Networks work towards providing combined health and social care in ageappropriate settings for all children and young people with cancer as the best way to deliver good outcomes. Currently only 30% of young people benefit from this kind of care.

CLIC Sargent recently restated its commitment to young people with the publication of a Young People’s Charter and an accompanying Model of Social Care.