17 January 2019
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust welcomes the findings of a new Teenage Cancer Trust and Public Health England report showing more young people are surviving cancer (Thursday 17 January).
The report - 13-24 year olds with cancer in England Incidence, mortality and survival - found mortality rates of all cancers combined in 13-24 year olds have fallen from 42.9 per million in 2001 to 32.3 per million in 2015, while five-year survival rates have risen from 83% females / 80% males (2001-05) to 87% in females / 84 % males (2007-11).
Teenage and young adult cancer data has typically been captured across varying age brackets, but this is the first report specific to the 13-24 years age-group that the Teenage Cancer Trust supports, which is reflected in the age-range of the teenagers and young adults the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust works with in recovery.
Frank Fletcher, CEO Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, said: “It is clearly wonderful news that survival rates are increasing and I applaud Teenage Cancer Trust’s commitment in shining a light on the incidences and challenges within this age group and in calling for the teenage and young adult cancer speciality to be sustained and developed.
“While increasing survival rates are undoubtedly positive, the implication is more young people need post-treatment support. The report highlights post-treatment as an area young people consistently speak of as ‘lacking’ and 'important' in their cancer care, while they are least satisfied with the mental health support, despite 80% finding the mental health impact of a diagnosis as difficult as the physical side
“We look forward to continuing to work with Teenage Cancer Trust and partners within the Teenage and Young Cancer (TYAC) community to ensure more young people are able to benefit from the Trust's work in rebuilding confidence in recovery, so that every one needing support can start to feel positive about their future again.”
Moving on with optimism
When treatment ends the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s work begins as for many young people picking up where they left off before their diagnosis just isn’t possible.
Through sailing and outdoor adventure trips, young people aged 8-24 rebuild the confidence to get back into education and employment and to make new friends, all with the permission to have fun and enjoy being the young people they still are.
The new report underlines Teenage Cancer Trust’s commitment to continuing to work to ensure young cancer patients have access to the services that will best meet their needs and improve their outcomes as they move on with their lives.
For full details and to read the report visit www.teenagecancertrust.org/PHE
