Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, met with national bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. They discussed the work the charity is doing to take action for children, teenagers and young adults diagnosed with sarcoma. Caroline is pleased to support Sarcoma UK on raising awareness of the distinct challenges this age group face and make a difference for young people with cancer.
Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body. There are many different types of sarcoma, however all subtypes of sarcoma can be grouped into soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas.
Sarcoma is the third most common CTYA (children, teenagers and young adults) cancer in the UK, with a child, teenager or young adult (age 0-24) being diagnosed with sarcoma every day.
Sarcomas have a worse survival rate than average for cancers affecting this age range. They are 15% less likely to survive for 5 years than the average CTYA cancer, and sarcoma can be among the deadliest types.
This April, cancer charities from across the UK have come together for the first Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. So young people can share their stories and be listened to. Together, we can tackle the challenges and make a change.
Dame Caroline has been working to implement a Childhood Cancer Mission, following the death of her 10 year old constituent Sophie from Rhabdomyosarcoma. Working alongside Sophie’s mum, Charlotte Fairall, Caroline has met with the Health Secretary to push for changes to the way that we detect, treat and care for children with cancer.
At the event in Parliament this week Caroline also met Ellie Cooper, aged 18, who was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma in 2021. Ellie bravely spoke of her experiences as a young person.
Also in attendance were representatives from Sarcoma UK such as CEO Richard Davidson, and Director of Research, Policy and Support, Dr Sorrel Bickley.
Speaking after the event, Caroline said:
“I’m proud to work with Sarcoma UK to help spread awareness of this cancer in young people.
Improving the way in which we detect, care and treat childhood cancers is something that I have been working hard on with local charity Sophie’s Legacy. This was founded after the tragic death of my 10 year old constituent, Sophie, from childhood cancer. I have been campaigning alongside her mum, Charlotte, to implement a Childhood Cancer Mission in Sophie’s memory.
It was great to hear from Sarcoma UK to see what they are doing to raise awareness of childhood sarcomas, and to support them in their campaign.”
Dr Sorrel Bickley, Director of Research, Policy and Support at Sarcoma UK said:
“Cancer is different in young people. They have very different needs to older adults facing this disease, so they need a special, tailored approach to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, care and support.
“The far-reaching impact of cancer does not end when treatment ends. Quality of life and learning to live well with cancer is vital too. The impact of a cancer diagnosis can continue for many years.
“We must raise awareness of the distinct challenges this age group face and improve outcomes for young people with cancer. Sarcoma UK welcomes the support of Dame Caroline Dinenage MP in boosting awareness of sarcoma in teenagers and young people, and putting sarcoma on the agenda.”
