A pressure group is calling on elected representatives to focus on the requirements of young cancer patients in Wales.
Young Lives vs Cancer, a nationwide charitable body assisting individuals from birth through to 25 years old who receive cancer diagnoses, is requesting all political parties in Wales to prioritise youthful patients in their policies ahead of the May 7 Senedd voting.
Around 180 children and adolescents are told they have cancer in Wales every year.
Lauren Marks, who oversees policy and advocacy activities at Young Lives vs Cancer, said Welsh children and teenagers living with cancer are overlooked by a healthcare structure built for grown-ups, and their particular needs frequently go unacknowledged. The upcoming Senedd elections offer an opportunity to change this and improve the treatment and backing they receive.
The charity is pushing for: a dedicated cancer plan for young individuals, improved experiences when receiving diagnoses, comprehensive assistance during and after treatment, and a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund.
The current Cancer Improvement Plan spanning 2023 to 2026 centres on adult patients and does not address the unique demands of younger people, the charity explains.
In England, the UK administration recently revealed a £10 million travel fund to help young patients alongside their relatives – a scheme the charity hopes will be established in Wales as well.