Young Cancer Deaths 'Down 60%'

A brave Scottish schoolboy who lost a kidney to cancer has been highlighting the cause on a VIP visit to Downing Street, as new figures released today show cancer deaths in children and young people have fallen by 57 per cent in Scotland over the past 40 years1. Five-year-old Milo Carter was guest of honour at a special reception, hosted by Samantha Cameron, to launch Cancer Research UK’s inspiring new fundraising campaign Kids & Teens. Milo of Auchertool in Fife joined 20 youngsters from across the UK – all diagnosed with cancer – who visited Number 10 to have their courage recognised and help raise awareness of the urgent need to boost funds for research.

They included seven-year-old Georgia Hillman of Edinburgh who has also overcome kidney cancer.

The children enjoyed a secret agents’ themed party and a sight-seeing tour of London as part of their treat on Tuesday. (January 20). Milo’s mum, Sarah, 37, said: “It’s been the most amazing, emotional trip and we’ve loved every moment of it.

“Milo managed to start primary one chemotherapy free and is loving being at school. His energy levels are picking up, he’s learning to ride his bike and has just started swimming lessons, all things he wasn’t able to do while on treatment. Going to 10 Downing Street was an unforgettable experience for so many reasons but most importantly because through supporting Cancer Research UK we can help to spare other children and families from this devastating disease in the future.

“Success stories like Milo’s would not be possible without the charity’s life-saving work which in turn relies on everyone who raises funds, so we hope people across Scotland will really get behind this crucial campaign.”

While the figures released today show that progress in treating the disease has led to an unprecedented drop in deaths among youngsters aged 24 and under in Scotland, from around 130 deaths each year in the mid-1970s to around 45 today2, the disease remains the biggest killer of youngsters in the UK3.

And so Cancer Research UK has launched the new ongoing mission to raise more money for research into kinder treatments and cures for children, teens and young adults with cancer. The charity is calling on Scots to donate to beat childhood cancers sooner and help save more lives like Milo’s.

Milo who is now clear of cancer endured 19 rounds of chemotherapy after he was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour in April 2013. Scans at Edinburgh Sick Children’s hospital revealed cancer in both kidneys had already spread to his lungs and liver. At first Sarah and her husband Kevin, 36, were warned that Milo may need to have both kidneys removed- facing a lifetime of dialysis or a transplant.

But Imran Mushtaq, a surgeon at Great Ormond Street hospital in London succeeded in saving 90 per cent of Milo’s right kidney.

Sarah said: “Milo needed the highest dose of chemotherapy and radiotherapy they could give.

“Milo’s left kidney was twice the size it’s meant to be. It was huge and he had three tumours in his second kidney as well as tumours in the main vein leading up to his heart. But nothing knocks Milo. I call him my little Tonka truck as he just keeps going. I’m so proud of him.”

Milo is one of around 110 children aged 14 and under in Scotland4 and 1,600 across the UK who are diagnosed with cancer every year5. A further 2,200 15-24 year olds are also diagnosed with cancer in the UK annually5.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see deaths for children’s cancers falling steadily. But we must make faster progress to save more lives, so we’re extremely grateful for the support of Milo and Georgia’s family and to Samantha Cameron in helping to highlight the power of research in beating the disease.

“Sadly, not every youngster survives but we continue to fight for every child and every family and hope to double the amount we spend on children’s and young people’s cancers in the next 5-10 years. By boosting funding now, the best research teams could offer new hope by developing kinder and better treatments and cures, so we’re urging people across Scotland to back Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.

“Cancer Research UK is the largest funder of research into children’s cancers in the UK and with the support of the public we can fund more world-class research to give more youngsters the chance to grow up and realise their potential.” Cancer has a devastating impact on youngsters.

Children, teens and young adults can endure months of painful treatment, as well as the upset of being away from home and friends. Also, some unfortunately face living with long term side effects from their treatment, such as infertility and disability, which have an impact throughout their adult lives.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters Cancer Research UK has helped to transform the outlook for children with cancer. Around three-quarters of under-15s with the disease in Great Britain are now cured compared to only a quarter in the late 1960s6. However, survival is significantly lower in teenagers and young adults than in children for several cancer types. Celebrities who joined Milo for the Downing Street reception included Peter Andre and his fiancée Emily MacDonagh, The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes, as well as presenters Kirstie Allsopp, Charlotte Hawkins, Donna Air and Sara Cox. Kirstie Allsopp said: “Having my children has been the biggest blessing and I cherish the time we have together. And sadly, I know all too well the devastating effect that cancer can have on families. That’s why I’m supporting the launch of Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to receive the devastating news that your child has cancer. No parent should have to hear that and no child should have to face it. All the money raised through this important campaign will fund ground-breaking research to beat children’s and teens’ cancer.”