Cancer charity call for Norfolk's young patients and families to be better supported with travel
The Charity say families are having to fork out unaffordable fees to get life-saving treatment
A cancer charity is urging decision-makers to better support young patients and their families in Norfolk with their travel.
It's at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer's 'Running on Empty' campaign- which wants a young cancer patient travel fund to be put together.
"You can be doing that two of three times a week"
Stacey Buttle lives in the out-skirts of Norwich. Her daughter Kayla has cancer:
"If I don't have half a tank of fuel in my car, I'm worried, thinking about If Kayla needs an emergency trip to the hospital or Addenbrookes, which is a 64 mile trip one way for us.
"You can be doing that two of three times a week for test scans.
"Can I afford to take them my children to the beach, for the day? It's not that expensive but you still need fuel. Can I afford that? What if something goes wrong with the car? Do I have money for that? You don't. But you have to somehow manage to get a pot of something together."
"We are going through hell"
Stacey told us it's having a real impact on her: "I do hospital treatments, Kayla's dad does home with the boys. Me and my husband haven't really had a marriage for the last two years. It's not because we don't love each other but because we are never at home. You've living two separate lives in the same home."
"The thing is, are people not going to give their child treatment because they can't afford to do get them there? I know there's families out there that question whether they can actually get themselves there. It shouldn't be like that.
"We are going through hell. We didn't ask to be in this position".
"The situation becomes even more challenging for those living in the East"
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, they hope the focus can shift to what truly matters: the well-being and recovery of these brave young individuals.