“We know you will be busy but children and young people with cancer can’t wait”

It’s been a week since the UK went to the polls and elected our new MPs and UK Government. Now the dust has settled, Sonia Malik, Head of Policy and Influencing at Young Lives vs Cancer, reflects on why the General Election matters for children and young people with cancer, and what comes next. 

“At Young Lives vs Cancer we’ve long campaigned with, and on behalf of, children and young people with cancer and the General Election period was no exception. Our Manifesto for Children and Young People with Cancer set out five top priorities for all parties, and the new UK Government, to commit to changing. Our supporters shared our manifesto far and wide, working hard to ensure that the voices and needs of children and young people with cancer and their families were part of the election conversation. 

“The picture in UK Parliament has now changed, with over half of MPs now brand new to the House of Commons, as well as a new UK Government with new priorities. We look forward to inviting everyone to discuss the needs of young cancer patients, and how, together, we have the power to help make the system around young cancer patients fit for purpose. We also look forward to re-engaging with MPs who retained their seats to continue the productive conservations we have previously started.  

“I’d also like to extend my thanks to former MPs who worked closely with Young Lives vs Cancer during the last parliament to champion the needs of children and young people with cancer and their families. 

“And now, we look to the future. Such change brings great opportunity and now truly is the once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK Government to work with Young Lives vs Cancer, and our partners in the sector to overhaul and improve the experience of children and young people with cancer and their families.  

“Running the country is a big task, and we know that our new MPs, Prime Minister and UK Government will be busy. But at Young Lives vs Cancer we know that children and young people with cancer simply cannot wait, and action is needed now. 

“With our friends at Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), and alongside many other leading charities, we’ve written an open letter to our new Prime Minister, asking him to prioritise children and young people with cancer.  

“We’re sending this letter because we want the Prime Minister and the whole UK Government to work with us all to drive the changes young cancer patients need. We’re all asking our supporters to add their voice. After all, we’re stronger standing together.   

“We’re ready. To work with the Prime Minister, Health Secretary and all MPs across the UK, to deliver the changes children and young people with cancer and their families need.” 

Why this matters: 

• Over 4000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. Their needs are unique and different to those of older adults with cancer, but this isn’t always understood or acknowledged by the systems around them. Young Lives vs Cancer Social Workers see this every day. 

• A cancer diagnosis costs – a lot. Our research found following a cancer diagnosis for a child or young person, the average household spends an extra £700 every month, and for many this can be significantly higher. This is compounded by a loss in earnings of, on average, £6000 per year. 

• The biggest monthly cost for young cancer patients and their families is travel, with the average cost a staggering £250 each month. That’s why we’re calling for a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund 

• Treatment can last several months or years and the physical, emotional and mental health impacts can be lifelong. 

• The system around children and young people with cancer, and their families, needs to change. Alongside our sector partners CCLG, Teenage Cancer Trust and Ellen MacArthur Trust, we’ve set out a North Star vision – an ambitious shared goal to transform the future of cancer care for young people. Our vision requires a collective, whole system approach and the UK Government has a key part to play to help us reach our ambition