Mims Davies MP is pleased to raise awareness of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year, over 1,800 children (under 15) are diagnosed with cancer in the UK, and many more are living with the significant, long-term impacts.
Together, over 4,200 children and young people (under 25) hear the news they have cancer each year.
Childhood is a time of joy, of making memories, fun and adventure. But cancer can take that all away. The impact of cancer on children, young people and their families is more than just medical - it brings emotional, financial and practical stress that no family should have to face. Throughout it all, charities like Young Lives vs Cancer are there for children, young people and their families.
The financial costs start mounting immediately from diagnosis, with young people and families spending £700 extra every month dealing with the additional costs that cancer brings, at the same time as household income dropping by over £6,000 a year. And with treatment taking place in specialist centres, often far from home, this brings long travel distances and high travel costs of £250 every month on average. This is compounded by difficulties claiming benefits like PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance and more.
Mims Davies MP said:
"It is important this month to bring attention to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Having cancer at any age, but particularly at a young age turns worlds upside down. It’s a never ending emotional roller-coaster for the whole family, and it’s no secret that mental health and wellbeing can suffer greatly during these extremely tough times. But sadly, four in five people diagnosed with cancer as a child report not receiving enough support to improve their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Children, young people and their families deserve to feel like their wellbeing is as much of a priority as their medical care.
They should know that everyone around them understands their unique needs and the systems that seek to support them won’t let them down and we need to work harder for this."
