The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step forward in recognising the distinct needs of this group, who often face unique diagnostic and treatment challenges compared to adults.
We were proud to have been invited to Westminster to provide input into the development of this plan ensuring that both the voices of children and young people, and the voices of those affected by rare and less common cancers were heard. In both these areas, progress has historically been slower and data often lacking compared to more common cancer types. We are therefore pleased to see these issues beginning to receive the national attention they deserve.
We would like to recognise the exceptional hard work and dedication of Charlotte Fairall from Sophie’s Legacy and Dame Caroline Dinenage for their unwavering commitment and passion in bringing the Children’s and Young People’s Taskforce to fruition. Their persistence over several years has ensured that, for the first time, children and young people have a dedicated and distinct section within the health plan.
Dr Jen Kelly, CEO of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, said:
“We very much welcome this 10 Year Cancer Plan and the renewed focus it places on improving outcomes for children and young people. The inclusion of a dedicated section for this group is a major step forward, reflecting years of advocacy from the childhood cancer community. However, while the plan sets out positive ambitions, the true measure of its success will lie in the outcomes achieved: Earlier diagnosis, fairer access to treatment, and ultimately, fewer lives lost.
We are encouraged by the government’s recognition that certain cancers, including many that affect children, cannot be staged in conventional ways. As this plan moves into action, we hope to see clear mechanisms in place to hold decision-makers to account. This is particularly important in measuring progress in reducing inequalities across diagnosis, treatment, and survival of children and young people and those with rarer, less common cancers especially.”
The Trust welcomes the plan’s renewed commitment to reducing lives lost to cancer and its recognition of the need for tailored approaches to rarer cancers. However, it will be essential to maintain momentum and investment throughout the full ten year period, not only in the initial implementation phase. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, for her commitment and leadership in driving this important work forwards.
As a charity, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust continues to work tirelessly to improve outcomes for children with cancer through:
• Early diagnosis initiatives, aimed at supporting both the public and healthcare professionals to recognise symptoms sooner.
• Funding vital research into childhood and rare cancers to drive improvements in treatment and survival.
• Providing emotional and practical support for families navigating the most difficult of journeys.
This long-term plan marks a positive and hopeful step forward. We will continue to collaborate with policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and families to ensure that every child with cancer, regardless of where they live or what type of cancer they face, has the best possible chance of survival and quality of life.
We welcome the Government’s renewed commitment to improving cancer outcomes across the UK, but, as always, the proof will be in the results it delivers.