Cancer care strategy for young people to be launched
The 5 year 6-million pound plan includes genetic testing to provide personalised treatment.
Last updated 16th Sep 2021
A new strategy to help young Scots with cancer’s being launched by the Scottish Government.
Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, the Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People in Scotland 2021-2026, was launched by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf during an online event.
The 5 year 6-million pound plan includes genetic testing to provide more personalised treatment, highlighting 10 priorities for the next five years, supported by almost £6 million investment.
The strategy highlights 10 priorities for the next five years, supported by almost £6 million investment, which include funding genetic testing to provide personally targeted treatment and setting up a national molecular radiotherapy service for children.
Patient input
The plans were developed with the help of 27-year-old Lindsay MacIntyre, a member of the Youth Advisory Forum, who is a cancer patient herself.
Lindsay who lives in Glasgow, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, when she was 21. After initial treatment, she went into remission, but the cancer sadly returned about three years ago, and is incurable.
She told us: "I think if maybe I'd had more targeted treatment initially, I might have not been re-diagnosed, because the treatment that had been picked for me would've been more effective."
"The buddy support network would have been great because I think after that inital diagnosis it probably took a few months for me to actually meet other young people, so that initial, you know, you're terrified"
Lindsay joined the Youth Advisory Forum, following her treatment to discuss provision of services.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy, but receiving one at such a young age is especially difficult.
“We know that diagnosis has come a long way, with survival rates remaining stable for children and young people. However there is still more we can do to support this age group to live long, healthy and happy lives.
“This strategy, backed by almost £6 million, marks an exciting time for children and young people’s cancer services as the first strategy for this age group. It outlines our 10 ambitions to build on previous successes so that, by 2026, we will see improved and enhanced outcomes for patients and ensure equal access to care across Scotland.”
Medical Director of NHS Forth Valley Andrew Murray told us: “I am delighted to see the launch of Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, after such a challenging period in the NHS Scotland’s history, and I look forward to working with our clinicians and families to deliver its ambitious objectives over the next five years, improving experiences and outcomes.”
The full plans from the Scottish Government can be found here.
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