Teenage Cancer Trust

Following the result of the General Election last week there is a new government in Westminster. It is important to take a step back and consider what this might mean for teenagers and young adults with cancer. Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words ‘you have cancer.’ By 2030 that number will be closer to 10.  As the new government sets out their plans and new parliamentarians settle into their roles, they have the chance to drive change for a generation of young people with cancer.  What are we calling for the new UK Government to do ❓ -      Publish a new, long-term cancer strategy in England to improve outcomes for young people with cancer. -      Ensure that every teenager and young adult with cancer has access to expert psychological support from the point they are diagnosed and for a minimum of two years after their treatment.   -      Ensure that teenagers and young adults with cancer have access to clinical trials. -      Take action to ensure that teenagers and young adults with cancer are diagnosed faster.   -      Ensure that good quality, timely data for teenagers and young adults with cancer is readily available, providing insights into the unique issues that young people face.   -      Future planning for the NHS workforce is essential to provide necessary detail about how capacity within cancer care can be increased. Additionally, it is vital that the government guarantees there is a specialist workforce available to treat teenagers and young adults with cancer. Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/efa-NYS6

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth. If you're a young person with cancer, you are protected by the Equality Act (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Disability Discrimination Act (Northern Ireland). That means that your employer or place of education has to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure you’re able to work safely, or learn on an equal footing. You might not feel like you’re disabled, but these laws are in place to help protect you and help you be able to live your life. Your rights at work 💻 If you're working your employer has to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure you’re able to work safely. These can include: - Time off for appointments - Extra breaks - Letting you return gradually (phased return) Your rights in education 📚 If you’re in education, you’re eligible for ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure you can access learning on an equal footing. These can include: - Extra time in exams - Speech-to-text software - A note taker Find out more about your rights after cancer 👇 https://lnkd.in/eqpRpfJ9

A big thank you to RBC Capital Markets for making us part of the 10th anniversary of #RBCCharityDayForTheKids, benefiting youth-serving charities and thousands of children around the world. You're helping us to make sure cancer doesn't stop young people from living their lives. Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/ghCkauE

Evidence shows countries with a long-term cancer strategy are more effective in improving cancer outcomes. That's why we're joining with other cancer charities to call on all political parties to follow evidence and commit to publishing a long-term cancer strategy. We believe it is vital that any new strategy includes a dedicated focus on the unique needs of young people with cancer and actions to improve their outcomes. This includes: ➡ improving access to clinical trials ➡ faster diagnosis for young people with cancer ➡ addressing the inequalities that young people face when accessing specialist mental health support Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/e3gVxQz5 #OneCancerVoice

“Having visual cues around the waiting area and on our name badge is so important, not just for Pride Month but all year round. This has led to many open conversations around pronouns and identities, but more importantly a lot of young people have mentioned that it's nice to see visual representation, as this means they feel more relaxed and open to talk about who they are as a person.” Our wonderful Youth Support Coordinator Steve has shared the #Pride decorations and celebrations in the Northwest. He went into more detail about why visual cues are important, the positive impact of representation and opening up the conversation 💭 Find out more about how we support LGBTQ+ young people with cancer 👉 https://lnkd.in/eEX2SuHR See Steve’s post as part of #PrideMonth below 👇

At Teenage Cancer Trust, our big goal is that by 2040, young people with cancer in the UK will have the best outcomes and quality of life in the world. Yesterday we joined forces with Young Lives vs Cancer, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) to change the future of cancer with our North Star vision. Kate Collins, Chief Executive at Teenage Cancer Trust shares why this is so important. "Cancer is very different when you’re a teenager or young adult. Young people develop different types of cancer to children and older adults, including some which are very rare. Diagnosis and treatment can be more complex, and there are systemic challenges, such as difficulty accessing clinical trials. And the physical, psychological, and emotional impacts of cancer can be particularly challenging for teenagers and young adults, both during and after treatment. "This vision is that every child and young person facing cancer receives care that’s tailored to them. They feel informed and in control, and along with their families can make knowledgeable decisions about their care and future. They feel empowered every step of the way, facing no gaps in support or barriers to access. They have everything they need from the beginning of their cancer journey, during treatment and for as long as they need it afterwards. "The research shows that there is clearly unmet need amongst young people with cancer, especially relating to their emotional and mental health needs and that this can affect them for many years post-treatment. "We must continue to work together to tackle these challenges and ensure the best outcomes for young people with cancer." Read the full blog 👇 https://lnkd.in/epcrakzp

A big thank you to our North West Corporate Advisory Board for the Teenage Cancer Trust for hosting a successful 'Meet Teenage Cancer Trust' event on Wednesday in Manchester. Thank you to everyone who attended, our hosts Hall Brown Family Law and a special thank you to Lakita who joined us to share her story 💙 Refreshments were kindly donated by our corporate partners Domino’s Pizza UK & Ireland Ltd and Aldi UK.

Children and young people with cancer are being failed by the systems that surround them. Their unique needs aren’t recognised and their wellbeing isn’t a priority. They deserve better. That’s why we’re joining with Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer to drive ground-breaking change for young people with cancer. Find out more about the North Star vision 👇 https://lnkd.in/eFs6hVqg

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us at Bonhams After Hours on Monday night ✨ We're thrilled to share that we raised over £30,000 on the night - all to help make sure cancer doesn't stop young people from living their lives. A special thank you to The Connor Brothers for all their support, as well as DJ Melanie C and host for the evening Joel Dommett. We were also joined by Lauren, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019 and has since found comfort in writing poetry. She gave an incredible performance of her poetry 'music of life' 💙 Bonhams and The Connor Brothers are also hosting an auction, with 13 of the prints being sold in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Check it out 👇 https://lnkd.in/eB3A-Zdi

What can young LGBTQ+ people with cancer expect from their care team ❓ It’s important that young people feel able to be themselves, no matter what they’re going through. We’re proud to fund staff across the country who work hard to support LGBTQ+ young people with cancer. Here’s why that’s important, and what it should look like in practice. No assumptions ❌ Your care team shouldn’t make assumptions about your sexuality or relationship or gender identity. Your care team should ask you before using a particular pronoun. It’s good for members of your care team to share their own pronouns with you too, to help you feel more comfortable. Confidentiality 🔒 If you disclose your sexuality or gender identity to someone in your care team, they should only ever share that information with others if it’s relevant to your care, and if they’ve discussed it with you first. Your choice ❔ If you have a choice between a male or female ward, that choice is for you to make based on how you identify – your care team shouldn’t make the choice for you. Open discussions 💬 As part of your treatment you should always get the chance to discuss sex, sexual health and fertility with your care team in a way that’s honest, open and relevant to your sexuality and gender identity. Our nurses and Youth Support Coordinators will always listen and make the time to talk about anything that’s on your mind, including your sexual orientation or gender identity. Education 📚 Our nurses and Youth Support Coordinators might not always be experts in the issues that affect you as an LGBTQ+ young person – but we’ll always take the time to educate ourselves, signpost you to support where it’s available, and advocate on your behalf. Find out more about support for young LGBTQ+ people 👇 https://lnkd.in/eEX2SuHR #Pride #PrideMonth #LGBTQCancerCare