Children’s and Young People’s Cancer Research Conference
In November, Cancer Research UK was delighted to introduce the first in-person Children’s and Young People’s Cancer Research Conference as part of our 2023 research event series.
This was an opportunity for scientists and researchers from across the UK to share updates about their work to improve how we understand and treat children's cancers. There were nearly 200 attendees, including researchers and healthcare professionals, as well as charity partners and patient advocates. There was roundtable discussions about how we can continue to build this amazing community, and there were many opportunities for networking.
The event featured two guest speakers, who are both on our Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Insights Panel, Sarah and Shauyma. Sarah shared the story of her son, Talan, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma aged 18 and sadly died only 16 months later. She spoke passionately about the need for better awareness of childhood cancers and for more research to help improve treatments. She said “The conference was so valuable to me; it was inspiring to be in the same room as all those people from different spheres of medicine and all wanting the same thing. The common bond was to make treatments kinder and to lessen effects that current treatment has as well as giving hope for those children who currently have no treatment available at all.A truly inspiring day I feel proud to have been part of thank you so much for inviting me.”
Next Shaumya spoke about the challenges of being diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma aged 18 and why patient involvement in research is so crucial to improve the experiences and outcomes of young cancer patients. She said “It was a real privilege to speak at the CYP conference and have the opportunity to remind the researchers who benefits from the work they do, and why it is so important. It means a lot to know how much our insights are valued, and I learned a lot about some of the challenges in CYP cancer research. It was fascinating to meet so many people doing research in so many different areas and hear about how they are working to overcome these challenges.”
Children’s and young people’s cancers are diverse and complex, and present a unique set of challenges. As the biggest charitable funder of research into these cancers in the UK, we’re dedicated to driving forward progress so all children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Laura Danielson, Children’s and Young People’s Research Lead, who helped organise the event said “A true highlight was opening the day with a panel discussion around patients’ perspective, featuring two of our CYP Insights Panel members, Sarah and Shaumya. It was an emotional but important session, making sure we put patients’ perspective at the heart of the day.”
We look forward to continuing to build on this event in future years!
Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People
Over the last 50 years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in overall survival for children and young people with cancer. But this progress has not been seen across all cancers that affect this age group and many young people who do survive are left with long-term, life-changing side effects from their treatment. Children’s and young people’s cancers are diverse and complex and present a unique set of challenges to overcome. But they’re challenges we’re taking on. As the biggest charitable funder of research into these cancers in the UK, we’re dedicated to driving forward progress so all children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Find out more about Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People’s work on our dedicated page.
Children & Young People Insights Panel
Join a group of parents, carers and young people to help shape the direction of our work and ensure it represents the needs of all children and young people affected by cancer.
