Sarcoma UK welcomes the announcement today (6 February) of a significant new partnership between clinicians, patient groups, charities and the Government to tackle childhood cancer.
The launch of the Young People Cancer Taskforce was announced today by the Department of Health and Social Care. The taskforce led by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP will look at improving how we detect, treat and care for children with cancer across England.
Sarcoma UK Chief Executive Richard Davidson said: “Sarcoma UK was happy to meet Dame Caroline last April to discuss how we could work together to tackle bone and soft tissue sarcomas, which are the third most common types of cancer that affect children and teenagers. However, too many cases of sarcoma are misdiagnosed or identified much too late, with devastating consequences.
“The taskforce will consider genomic treatments, new diagnosis tools, research and innovation and Dame Caroline has chosen to mention the case of a child who had rhabdomyosarcoma. We are driving forward research into this and many other types of sarcoma. We want to see improved detection of sarcoma cancers and reduce the many instances of misdiagnosis. We want to see better and more appropriate and effective treatments for these cancers. This will come through research, and we urge the taskforce to look at greater investment in research.
“We also understand the heavy emotional impact of cancer diagnoses on patients and their families. Last year, over 1,000 people reached out to our Sarcoma UK Support Line. It is vital that this sort of support is available and offered to those who need it. The NHS must provide joined-up support for cancer patients and families to support their wellbeing.
“Last week, I wrote to Secretary of State Victoria Atkins to emphasise our desire to work in partnership with the Government to tackle sarcoma cancers. We welcome the taskforce and look forward to engaging with them in the fight against childhood and teenage cancers.”
