CLIC Sargent | rogergale

CLIC Sargent

July 8th 2015

North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale, is championing the need for better care for young cancer patients in parliament.

Last night Sir Roger attended a parliamentary reception at the House of Lords hosted by CLIC Sargent to launch its new, three year campaign ‘Better Care for Young Cancer Patients’.

CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, is calling for a change to the health and care system so that young cancer patients get the best possible care and support – and that they, their families and health professionals have their voices heard by the government and NHS.

Sir Roger attended the event to find out more about becoming a champion for children and young people with cancer.

He said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of CLIC Sargent’s new campaign which highlighted some of the issues facing young cancer patients and their families, and showed more must be done to ensure they get the help and support they need.”

CYPAG members

Over the next three years, CLIC Sargent will be focusing on ensuring the health system is properly equipped to effectively identify cancer in children and young people as soon as possible. The charity will also be looking at what needs to be done to help young cancer patients and their families remain resilient during treatment, and the support they need when they finish treatment, as well as improving access to palliative and end of life care.

CLIC Sargent chief executive Lorraine Clifton said: “We know cancer in a child or young person is rare, so reaching a diagnosis is difficult. But we also know some young cancer patients and their families feel they were not taken seriously when they told their doctor something was wrong.

“Despite this, the health service does not ask them about their experiences of cancer, and some health professionals feel that treatment and outcomes are not monitored as they should be, so action cannot be taken to improve things.

“Over the next three years, CLIC Sargent will be working with young cancer patients and their families, health and care professionals, policy makers, politicians and charities to recommend changes that need to take place so that young cancer patients get the best possible care and support at a time when their lives have been turned upside down.”