Steve Yemm MP urges government to do more for young people with cancer

Debate marks Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month

This is a crucial moment to highlight the challenges young people face, not only as the National Cancer Plan was published just over a month ago, but also that the debate has taken place during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month.

During his speech, the Mansfield MP spoke about hearing regularly from young people and families whose lives have been “turned upside down” by a cancer diagnosis. He highlighted how cancer affects not just physical health, but education, work, relationships and mental wellbeing – often at a critical time in a young person’s life.

The debate took place as an adjournment debate, a 30‑minute session in Parliament that allows an MP to raise a specific issue directly with a government Minister, who must respond. Teenage Cancer Trust was pleased to work with Steve ahead of the debate to ensure the voices of young people affected by cancer were clearly heard.

Delays in diagnosis

One of the biggest concerns raised was delayed diagnosis. Cancers affecting young people are often rare and can’t be prevented, making the experience and speed of diagnosis vital. Yet awareness of symptoms remains low, with fewer than half of 18–24‑year‑olds able to recognise key warning signs. Additionally, nearly half of young people with cancer report visiting their GP three or more times before being referred.

Mental health support

Mental health support was another major focus of the debate. Research shows high levels of anxiety, loneliness and depression among young people undergoing cancer treatment. Despite NHS commitments, access to specialist psychological support remains inconsistent and often depends on where a young person lives.

Barriers to clinical trials

The debate also highlighted the challenges young people face in accessing clinical trials. Teenagers and young adults are less likely to take part, often because they fall between children’s and adult trials, have rarer cancers, or struggle to find information. The last NHS 10 year plan committed to reach 50% participation by 2025. Progress has been slow, but has been committed to again in the recently published National Cancer Plan. 

We need clear, age-specific data 

Finally, Steve Yemm raised concerns about the lack of clear, age‑specific data on cancer outcomes for young people. Without better data, it is harder to identify inequalities, improve services and hold the system to account.

Why we need to listen to young people with cancer

In closing, the MP stressed that better awareness, faster diagnosis, strong mental health support and fair access to clinical trials all lead to better experiences and outcomes. He urged the Government to deliver on commitments in the National Cancer Plan and invited Ministers to visit a Teenage Cancer Trust unit to hear directly from young people and see the impact specialist care can make. 

“If we truly listen to young people with cancer,” the MP said, “we’ll know exactly what needs to change.”

Response from the Minister, Sharon Hodgson MP

Sharon Hodgson MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, welcomed the debate and agreed to meet young people affected by cancer, as well as visit a Teenage Cancer Trust unit.

Alongside this, the Minister addressed many of the issues raised, saying she was committed to improving age‑appropriate psychological support from diagnosis and for up to two years after treatment, and improving access to clinical trials by tackling age barriers, and strengthening data and research into treatments. A reformed national cancer board, with a dedicated lead for children and young people, will oversee delivery of the cancer plan.

The Minister said improving outcomes for young people with cancer is a personal priority and pledged to work closely with the MP going forward. 

Teenage Cancer Trust look forward to building on these commitments, and ensuring improvements are made for teenagers and young adults with cancer.