Young Lives vs Cancer Launches '#RunningOnEmpty' campaign to support cancer patients in Essex
The Charity say families are having to fork out unaffordable fees to get life-saving treatment
Last updated 10th Jul 2023
In an effort to address the financial burdens faced by young cancer patients and their families, Young Lives vs Cancer has launched the 'Running on Empty' campaign.
The campaign aims to establish a young cancer patient travel fund to alleviate the costs associated with traveling to and from treatment centres across the UK.
Lauren Marks, the policy and public affairs manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, explained the motivation behind the campaign.
"Our research earlier this year revealed that children and young people with cancer, on average, spend £250 every month and travel an average of 350 miles monthly for their treatment,"
"Disturbingly, 71% of them reported struggling to meet the cost of transportation, with 10% even admitting to missing or delaying their treatment due to financial constraints."
The situation becomes even more challenging for those living in the East of England, as they often have to travel greater distances, incurring higher expenses. The findings have shed light on an overlooked aspect of cancer care, highlighting the need for urgent action.
"It is truly shocking to realize that young cancer patients and their families have to shoulder the financial burden of transportation on top of everything else they endure,"
"At Young Lives vs Cancer, we firmly believe that these individuals should not have to worry about the cost of traveling to receive the specialist care and support they desperately need."
A cancer diagnosis profoundly impacts the lives of young patients and their families. Beyond the emotional turmoil, there are physical and financial implications that often go unnoticed. Education, employment, and household expenses increase, further straining already overwhelmed families.
To address this crisis, Young Lives vs Cancer is calling on the government to take action.
The organization hopes to establish a dedicated young cancer patient travel fund, ensuring that all children and young people with cancer and their families can access the financial support required to cover transportation costs. By removing this financial burden, families can focus solely on the critical task of undergoing treatment.
One common misconception is that patients can simply go to their nearest hospital for treatment. However, young cancer patients receive specialized care at designated centres, which are often far from their homes. Public transportation is not a viable option due to the risk of infection for immunocompromised patients, necessitating the use of private vehicles. This incurs additional expenses, including fuel costs, congestion charges, and parking fees, which quickly accumulate.
If the government heeds the call and implements the Young Cancer Patients Travel Fund proposed by Young Lives vs Cancer, the impact will be significant. Approximately 4,000 children and young people diagnosed with cancer annually, along with their families, will be relieved of the financial stress of finding an extra £250 every month throughout their treatment.
"The establishment of the Young Cancer Patients Travel Fund will not only alleviate the financial burdens faced by these families but also mitigate the disruptive effects on their lives," explained Marks. "With the financial stress reduced, families will have more energy and resources to cope with the treatment process, and the negative impact on income, which often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, will be lessened."
The 'Running on Empty' campaign highlights the urgent need for a young cancer patient travel fund. Young Lives vs Cancer is hopeful that the government will listen and take action, ensuring that no child or young person fighting cancer has to worry about the financial barriers preventing them from accessing crucial treatment. By providing the necessary support, the focus can shift to what truly matters: the well-being and recovery of these brave young individuals.
You can find out more about the campaign here: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/